Japanese antique "matcha" green tea caddy with gold makie bamboo, "棗 natsume", for tea ceremony, wooden lacquer, H2.6x2.6in

Japanese antique "matcha" green tea caddy with gold makie bamboo, "棗 natsume", for tea ceremony, wooden lacquer, H2.6x2.6in

In tea ceremony, a host entertains guests with a lot of items carefully chosen. There are three items which are superior to others and a host brings to tea rooms at last before making tea. They are "茶碗 chawan" ,tea bowl, ”薄器 usuki", tea container and "茶杓 chasyaku", tea spoon.

”薄器 usuki" are made of wood, mostly lacquered with painting. There are two types of Usuki by its shape, "棗 natsume" and "中次 nakatsugi". Both are of two parts, body and lid. Difference is the place of a joint. Natsume's lid is shorter than its body but Nakatsugi has a ligature in the center.

This is typical Natsume black lacquered with makie painting of bamboo in gold. Though natsume is likely to have paintings all over the top and body, this looks a single ink painting. It's the best choice to have this as your first tea caddy since this can be used through a year. Bright green of matcha really goes with black.

□ Size: H 2.6in × W 2.6in （about H6.5cm×W6.5cm）
□ Weight : 1.6oz (45g)
□ Material : wood, lacquer, gold
□ Boxed : wooden box　※The cloth on which it is laid is not included.

condition...
It is in very good condition, ready to use.

I list antiques that sometimes have chips, rubbings and cracks
as they are very old antiques so please check the images and understand the current
condition before buying.