Natsume Sansui

Traditional Japanese lacquer, or urushi, is the concentrated sap of the Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum); this has been used in Japan for thousands of years to coat items ranging from crockery and furniture to buildings. After it dries, lacquer is resistant to both heat and water and therefore provides protection and durability for the materials underneath, which is usually wood, but can also often be bamboo, paper or leather. Lacquerware can be called both urushi and shikki (漆器 literally "urushi vessel"). With the development of acrylic resin in the last century, objects treated with synthetically produced lacquers such as food-grade polyurethane are nowadays also referred to as urushi/shikki. Pure, natural urushi is transparent in its appearance, while the black and red lacquers specifically associated with shikki are achieved by adding mineral pigments, onto which traditional decorative details such as maki-e (蒔絵) "scatter paintings" or raden (螺鈿) "shell inlays" are applied.

After use, wipe off any matcha using a soft dry cloth whenever possible. A slightly dampened cloth may be used if necessary, but make sure to then use a soft dry cloth to remove any moisture from the surface. Store the Natsume out of direct sunlight and in a slightly humid environment, if it gets too dry this can cause the wood and/or the lacquer to crack. When storing in its Kiribako box, wrap the Natsume up in the paper it came with, as this helps to retain some moisture. Please use or take the Natsume out of the box occasionally so that it can come into contact with moisture in the air.