Yamanaka
| Product | Natsume matcha container, black |
| Origin | Yamanaka, Ishikawa, Japan |
| Type | Chu-Natsume (medium size) |
| Dimensions | Ø6.4 x 6.5cm |
| Weight | 85g |
| Material | Composite wood (55% wood powder, 45% resin) |
| Lacquer | Urethane |
| Decoration | Maki-e crane motif |
| Packaging | Gift Box |
Please note that Natsume are used to store matcha for the duration of the tea ceremony. For longer term storage, place matcha in an opaque, airtight container.
During formal Japanese Sadō/Chadō (茶道 “the way of tea”) tea ceremonies, as well as informal Chakai (茶会) tea gatherings, matcha powder is stored in a Natusume tea caddy before it is whipped up into thin Usucha tea in a Matchawan (抹茶椀) tea bowl. Natsume borrows the Japanese name for the jujube red date, which the tea caddy is said to resemble in shape, and are typically made of lacquered wood or bamboo, often adorned with intricate decorations. The Natsume was noted to be a favourite ceremonial utensil of the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), and since the Edo period (1603-1868) has been an essential feature of the matcha tea ceremony.
