This small ko-natsume (matcha caddy) is made from wood and coated with traditional black urushi lacquer. This is a shin-natsume, meaning it is entirely black, devoid of decorations, which is considered the most formal style of natsume. This ko-natsume is of the 2-sun (二寸) size.

Natsume are one of the two types of containers used to hold and present the matcha during a tea ceremony. Named after the Japanese word for the jujube fruit due to their resemblance in shape, natsume are used when preparing 'thin tea' or usucha (foamy matcha). However, smaller natsume like this one (called ko-natsume - 小棗) are often paired with a silk pouch, shifuku, or wrapped in a fukusa, and used to hold higher-grade matcha for koicha or 'thick tea'.


Because most natsume are not airtight, they are not suitable for long term storage of matcha, instead designed for short term storage and use during a tea ceremony, where it is used for presentation and heightening the tea making experience.

Dimensions:

6cm (2.4in) - width
6cm (2.4in) - height
55ml - capacity

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States