This bright vermillion natsume is accented with black scuff marks in a traditional technique known as negoro (根来). This lacquer natsume consists of multiple layers of urushi lacquer over a plastic core.
Because 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.
Specifications
Made in Japan. Ships from the United States.
Width: 6.6 cm (2.6 in)
Height: 7 cm (2.8 in)
About Negoro Lacquer
Negoro (根来) is a style of Japanese lacquerware that dates back to the 1500s and is named after Negoro Temple (根来寺) in Wakayama where it was developed for the temple's private use. It consists of a base layer of black lacquer over which a final layer of vibrant vermillion red lacquer is painted. Over decades, this top red layer became scuffed away with daily use, revealing the black base layer underneath. The worn and weathered effect that this created has been the key to this style's popularity and today, most negoro lacquer pieces are sanded down to create an artificially weathered look.
About Usuchaki (Natsume)
Usuchaki (薄茶器 - thin tea vessel) are wooden or lacquered wood containers used to store and present the matcha used for making usucha (薄茶 - thin tea). Of these, the natsume (棗 - chinese date/jujube) style is the most common, and often usuchaki are referred to generally as natsume. Traditionally, natsume are made from turned wood and covered with urushi lacquer, though today cheaper plastic and resin options are commonly used for practice. The most formal or shin natsume are undecorated black lacquer, while red, vermillion, decorated, or unlacquered natsume are slightly more informal.
