Tomobako, Tea Caddy Box

A wooden box called a tomobako is designed to contain and protect natsume from any possible damage. Natsume are small tea caddies made to store specifically usu-cha, or thin tea powder. Usu-cha begins to brown and spoil when exposed to air, so the natsume‘s wood material allowed craftsmen to create an airtight sealed container to protect it. Beyond utility purposes, the Natsume also holds significant meaning as a way to express the identity of both the craftsmen who designed it and the host who purchased it. As a result, many tomobako, such as this one, feature a ribbon to wrap around the lid to fully secure the natsume inside.

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