Japanese Keyaki Wood Natsume Tea Caddy with Gold Bamboo Design 2.5"

A beautifully crafted Japanese tea caddy, or natsume (棗), made from richly grained keyaki wood (Japanese elm) and delicately decorated with a gold lacquer bamboo motif. This fine example combines natural elegance with traditional artistry, embodying the quiet sophistication that defines Japanese tea culture.

The natsume is an essential utensil in chanoyu (茶の湯, the Japanese tea ceremony), used to hold usucha — the finely milled powdered green tea whisked to create a light, frothy drink. Its name, meaning “jujube,” refers to the small fruit that inspired its gently rounded form. Unlike the heavier ceramic chaire used for thick tea, the natsume is typically made of lightweight wood or lacquer, allowing for smooth handling during the tea host’s ritual movements.

This example reflects the aesthetic ideals of wabi-sabi (侘寂) and shizen (自然) — simplicity, impermanence, and natural beauty. The warm golden tone of the keyaki grain glows beneath the fine maki-e (蒔絵) bamboo design, a symbol of resilience and purity in Japanese culture. Bamboo bends but does not break, making it a perennial emblem of strength through flexibility — a fitting motif for the tea ceremony, where humility and endurance are central virtues.

Pieces like this were especially favored during the late Taishō to early Shōwa periods (circa 1920–1940), when tea masters sought a balance between rustic naturalism and refined craftsmanship. The precise join between lid and body, the smooth polished interior, and the tactile warmth of the wood reflect the work of a skilled artisan familiar with both function and grace.

Measuring 2.5 inches high by 2.5 inches in diameter, this piece would make a beautiful addition to a Japanese tea set or a refined accent for any interior. A timeless, hand-finished object that connects everyday use with centuries of tradition and quiet beauty.