Vintage Japanese Tea Ceremony Natsume Tea Caddy Red Lacquer Crane & Pine Tree Mirror Overall it measures 5

Overall it measures 5

The hiragana かつらや (Katsuraya — "Wig Shop" / "Hairpiece House") is carved into the face ground and lacquered in red — the only text on the piece

this obi seamlessly combines tradition with contemporary elegance

providing a fascinating visual record of this dynamic period in Japanese history

Sometimes a kettle or pan was placed on top to heat water for tea or grill small food items

Vintage Japanese Tea Ceremony Natsume Tea Caddy Red Lacquer Crane & Pine Tree Mirror Overall it measures 5This is a vintage Japanese natsume or tea caddy used in the chanoyu tea ceremony. It is used to hold powdered green tea called matcha. A quality natsume such as this is made of turn wood, typically hinoki or Japanese cypress. The wood is lacquered in red and painted with fine black lacquer details. This is a beautiful example of Japanese design style. Having been only very sparingly and lovingly used for decades this natsume remains in fine condition.