Natsume: Negoro Chū-Natsume, Lacquer over Composite-Wood Base

NTS-002 — Negoro Chū-Natsume (根来塗 中棗) — Composite Wood-Based Lacquer Tea Caddy — Temae/Demonstration Grade Japanese Tea Ceremony Utensil

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 lacquered tea caddy represents the enduring Negoro tradition, characterized by red lacquer layered over darker undercoats, allowing subtle tonal depth and variation across the surface.

Formed as a chū-natsume (medium tea caddy), the piece reflects a balanced proportion suitable for both formal tea practice and daily temae.

Construction

The body of this natsume is constructed on a composite wood-base substrate and finished with Negoro-style lacquer. This method, widely used in high-quality contemporary Japanese lacquerware, provides excellent structural stability while preserving traditional aesthetics.

Physical analysis — including uniform weight, acoustic response, and absence of visible grain — indicates a molded composite construction rather than a turned solid wood. 

Aesthetic Characteristics

• Deep red lacquer with black undertone (called Negoro)
• Subtle variation in gloss reflecting finishing process
• Cleanly defined rim and foot
• Balanced classical silhouette

 Tea Use

Suitable for formal practice, instruction, public demonstration, and home use.

 Tea Dogu Classification

Core Construction: Type B — composite wood based substrate
Production Mode: Semi-artisan commercial lacquerware
Tea Use Grade: Grade II — formal practice suitable