Vintage Japanese Tea Ceremony Natsume Tea Caddy Red Lacquer Crane & Pine Tree

This is a vintage Japanese natsume or tea caddy used in the chanoyu tea ceremony. It is used to hold powdered green tea called matcha. A quality natsume such as this is made of turn wood, typically hinoki or Japanese cypress. The wood is lacquered in red and painted with fine black lacquer details. This is a beautiful example of Japanese design style.

Having been only very sparingly and lovingly used for decades this natsume remains in fine condition. The are a couple small chips to the lacquer as can be seen in the photos. The tea caddy is perhaps the most quintessential shape and size for natsume and measures approximately 2 1/2" in diameter by 3 1/8" tall (6.5 x 8 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to hold your favorite tea or some other treasures.

PLEASE NOTE Any other items shown in the photos besides the Natsume are props and example of how the item might be used and are NOT included in the sales of this listing.