Natsume: Chu (middle size), Red Lacquer with Black Accents Called Negoro, Lacquer over Resin

A natsume or usuchaki is one of the traditional containers for Matcha tea powder for usucha, or thin tea in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. A natsume comes is several sizes, shapes, colors and compositions. This particular motif of black lacquer with a little bit of red/orange lacquer showing through comes from the early days of lacquerware where red/orange lacquer was rare. This design lets you use just a little bit of orange lacquer to the greatest effect.

The popularity of this design has also brought us the opposite design, which has a little bit of black showing through a mostly red/orange coat. This design is called Negoro. The names for Akebono and Negoro are often mixed up, because of the Western similarity of Negoro to the word black, but this is not the case. Here, Negoro is named after The Negoro-shū who were an order of warrior monks based in Negoro-ji temple, in Japan's Kii Province.

Tea Dogu NTS-005 — Negoro-Style Lacquer Natsume

Overview:

This Negoro-style natsume presents the classic red-and-black lacquer aesthetic traditionally associated with temple utensils and historical tea culture. The vivid red surface contrasts elegantly with the black interior, creating strong visual presence within the tea setting.

Core Material: Injection-molded resin substrate with modern lacquer finish.
Style: Negoro-style red lacquer over black interior.
Classification: Practice-grade decorative Negoro suitable for regular tea ceremony use.

Tea Dogu Authority Description:

Modern Negoro-style lacquer capturing the historical temple aesthetic while offering durability suited for regular tea practice. The clean geometry and uniform lacquer finish indicate contemporary production, making this a reliable and visually striking tea tool.

Use in Tea Practice:

Ideal for thematic gatherings, autumn aesthetics, or introducing visual warmth into formal or semi-formal settings. Negoro lacquer pairs particularly well with rustic ceramics and seasonal wabi-inspired arrangements.