Japanese Cha-Ire Ceramic Tea Caddy Katatsuki Flask W/Shifuku Bag Chanoyu

This is a vintage Japanese Cha-Ire or tea flask used in the chanoyu (tea ceremony).  It holds the powdered green tea called matcha used for the thick tea or Koichi ceremony. These flasks where revered by samurai of ages past for their uniqueness as no two are exactly alike, and are considered one of the required objects to be a samurai in 16th century Japan (along with writings and swords.)

Having no evidence of being used this remains in very condition . The tea caddy measures approximately 3 1/2" tall by 2 1/4" in diameter (9 x 5.5 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art.