This nakatsugi (中次 - cylindrical matcha caddy) is made from mulberry wood, coated on the inside with gold leaf. This style of nakatsugi was developed in the 1800s by Gengensai (玄々斎), the 11th generation head of the Urasenke style of chanoyu, for use in the Wakin (和茶巾) temae, one of the higher level teachings

Nakatsugi (中次) are a type of usuchaki (薄茶器 - thin tea caddies) more commonly known by the most popular style, natsume. The nakatsugi predated the natsume and is believed to have descended directly from yakki (薬器 - medicine vessel), old wooden medicine containers that may have originated in China.

Because nakatsugi, like most natsume, are not airtight, they are not suitable for long term storage and are only intended for presentation and heightening the tea making experience.

Dimensions:

6.7cm (2.6in) - width
6.1cm (2.4in) - height

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States.