Natsume, Tea Caddy

Chanoyu is the ceremonial consumption of tea in Japanese culture. The practice involves numerous kinds of rituals, philosophies, and utensils. One utensil is the natsume, or tea caddy. Tea caddies trace their origin to China, with the first types being made of ceramic. During the Momoyama period (1573-1615), the wooden variation, natsume, became more favored because carvers could create a better seal with the lid, which is critical in preventing tea powder from spoiling. Usually, natsume are made from lacquer, sometimes with patterns or designs adorning the sides. However, this particular natsume has only a polished top and base. The sides remain preserved from the kiri log it was originally made from. This unique feature owes itself to its carver, Ouchi Sosui, from the So School. Not much is known about who the carver was, but he appears to have specialized in making netsuke—a small, wooden figure.

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