Japanese vintage "matcha" green tea caddy made from a single wood "中次 Nakatsugi" , gold inside, natsume for tea ceremony H2.7xW2.6in

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.

Among Nakatsugi, this is called "本桑中次 Honkuwa Nakatsugi" and used during a specific procedure called "和巾点 Wakin-date". This natsume (tea caddy) is made from a single mulberry tree, and the unlacquered finish, without any varnish, is called "kiji'". "kiji" tableware is regarded as a supreme ware for  Imperial Family since they only use the same tableware once. Once "kiji" tableware has been used, it is never used again because the food stains it. In 1866 a tea master of "裏千家 Urasenke" was invited to a royal palace and he made a tea for an emperor with a "kiji" tea caddy like this and the emperor gave him a piece of beautiful cloth in return. The tea master brought the caddy back and applied gold leaf to the inside. He made a new procedure of making tea with this caddy and showed it with the cloth. This is called as "和巾点 Wakin-date".

□ Size:   H 2.7in × W 2.6in  （about H6.8cm×W6.5cm）
□ Weight : 1.9oz (54g)
□ Material : wood, gold
□ Boxed :  with wooden box　

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

□ Size:   H 2.8in × W 2.8in  （about H7cm×W7cm）
□ Weight : 1.5oz (43g)
□ Material : wood, lacquer,
□ Boxed :  with sign wooden box　※Cloth and other tea utensils not included

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