Vintage NATSUME Japanese lacquered tea caddy #5181
- SKU:
- 5181
- Shipping:
- Free Shipping
Width: approx. 8.7cm (3 27⁄64in)
Height: approx. 5.7cm (2 15⁄64in)
Weight: 72g (gross 208g)
Artist: Chahira Issai (1915-?)
Origin: Ishikawa, Japan
This is a stunning vintage natsume (tea caddy).
Adorned with elegant gold makie lacquer patterns of leaves and flowers, it showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of traditional Japanese artistry. The design evokes the atmosphere of autumn, making it a perfect addition to tea ceremonies, enhancing the seasonal ambiance.
The delicate technique of the artisan shines through in its refined finish, with the subtle gold luster exuding sophistication. The natural patina developed over time further enhances its depth and allure as a vintage tea utensil.
Natsume is a traditional tea caddy made from high-grade wood and decorated with a gold lacquer called Makie. Its name comes from its shape, which is like a jujube (natsume in Japanese). Before the famous artist Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591) used natsume tea caddies in his tea ceremonies, pottery tea caddies were the norm. Natsume was used for daily necessities as pill case or something for townsman. Natsume remains popular with Tea Ceremony masters to the present day.
Originally, usucha (weak green tea) was called "packed tea" because it was a low-quality tea that was used to fill in the space around bagged koicha (strong green tea) when it was placed in a tea earn. For that reason, from the time of Takeno Joo to the time of Sen no Rikyu, "tea" only referred to koicha. Because usucha was looked down upon, its container was a wooden box called a hikiya, the purpose of which was to store the chaire, koicha tea caddy. In other words, the case originally used for the chaire, koicha tea caddy, was put to another use, eventually being used independently as a usucha tea caddy. Technically, the hikiya for tea containers like nasu (an eggplant-shaped tea caddy) and bunrin (an apple-shaped tea caddy) is called a natsume and the hikiya for katatsuki (a container with protruding parts at the top) is called a nakatsugi, but generally, it is common to refer to both kinds of hikiya as natsume. They are broadly classified as large natsume, medium natsume, and small natsume, and each of these categories is further divided into large, medium, and small.
- Appraisal: The Company does not provide authentication or provenance documentation, nor does it conduct scientific age verification or authentication by an artist’s descendants. All items are sold as-is, based on our research and description, without lifetime guarantees of authenticity.
- Shipping & Customs Duties: Shipping and Customs Duties We ship internationally but cannot ship to countries or regions subject to embargoes or import restrictions. Shipping is free to the United States, Europe, Asia (excluding certain regions), Australia, and New Zealand. For all other destinations, please contact us in advance. Orders are generally dispatched within three (3) business days, and delivery typically requires approximately one (1) week. The primary carrier is Japan Post (EMS). EMS includes insurance up to the declared value stated on the shipping label. Import duties, taxes, customs fees, and any other charges imposed by the destination country are the sole responsibility of the buyer. The Company does not assume liability for such costs.
- Returns & Cancellations: If you wish to cancel your order after payment has been completed, a cancellation fee of twenty percent (20%) will be deducted from the refund amount. The cancellation fee takes into account the actual international shipping costs incurred as well as payment processing fees. Returns are accepted within thirty (30) days of delivery if the product remains in its original condition. Return shipping is the buyer's responsibility. However, if the item is clearly different from the product photos, we will cover the cost of return shipping. Any claims regarding authenticity or condition must be submitted within 30 days of delivery. Claims made after this period shall not be accepted. Returns or refund requests will not be accepted once the item has been transferred, resold, or otherwise passed on to a third party.
- Q1. How long does it take from order to shipment?:We usually ship within 3 business days after receiving your order. Please note that if your order falls on Japanese weekends or national holidays (e.g., Golden Week, New Year holidays), shipping may take longer as carriers are closed. If you need your order urgently, please contact us before placing your order.
- Q2. How many days does delivery take?: We ship internationally, mainly by Japan Post (EMS). EMS includes insurance up to the declared value. Import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges in the destination country are the buyer’s responsibility.
