Description
This item is the set of Natsume (棗) and Chaire (茶入). Both are containers for Matcha (抹茶, powdered green tea). The name of Natsume was given because its shape resembles the fruit of Natsume (棗, the Japanese name of jujube). In the past, black lacquerware Natsumes were common. However, with the changing times, various designs have been produced.
In tea ceremonies, there are two main types of Matcha containers. One is called the Chaire, a tool for advanced users, basically used for storing strong tea. The Chaire is usually pottery. On the other hand, the Natsume is a container for thin tea and is basically made of wood and lacquered. However, as mentioned above, there are pottery Natsume and Natsumes made from bamboo or Japanese paper with lacquer. This set item includes both Natsume and Chaire.
About the design, Tea Tool-04 and Tea Tool-14 are decorated with the Kin *Makie (金蒔絵) technique on their black lacquer surface. Chrysanthemum flowers and field horsetails are the motifs. A long time ago, chrysanthemums were used as medicine for obtaining a long life, and it was brought to Japan with this thought in the Nara period (648-781). The chrysanthemum symbolizes fall, and people have greatly appreciated it since ancient times. The chrysanthemum has been likened to the sun as its petals form radially. That is why this flower pattern is treated as the symbol of perpetual youth and longevity or good health.
Field horsetails endure the cold winter and come into buds in the spring. We would say it is one of the seasonal things of spring. It is a plant with solid vitality that repeatedly grows even if it is cut. It has also been popular as a wild vegetable among Japanese people for a long time. As a historical document to support this, a theory says that there were Tsukushi Uri (土筆売り) who sold field horsetails in the spring in the Edo period, and there are some Haiku (俳句, a short poem of seventeen syllables) works in which Tsukushi Uri appears in scenes that express spring scenery. This plant motif would make you feel the coming spring.
In this way, these popular plant designs were incorporated into the tools in tea utensils, and a traditional Japanese technique (Makie) made these Natsumes look more elegant.
*Makie……A typical Japanese lacquer art technique developed uniquely in Japan for about 1200 years. Firstly, it needs to draw a picture with lacquer on the surface with a thin brush. Next, sprinkle the gold powder from above to show the pattern before the lacquer hardens. This technique makes a gorgeous and elegant look to works.
*As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.
【About us】
Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.
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【Shipping duration】
We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. Time of delivery is estimated as accurately as possible by the carrier but does not take into account any delays beyond our control such as by inclement weather, post office holiday seasons.
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【How to make sure the condition】
Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision.
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Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/
