Name: Japanese Traditional Wooden-core Urushi Lacquer Makie Natsume (棗) Dimensions: 7 cm (2.76 in) × 6.3 cm (2.48 in) (Height × Max Diameter) Weight: 76.5 g (excluding shifuku [仕覆] storage pouch) Material: Wood and urushi lacquer (大漆) Period: Shōwa period (1926–1989), Japan This is a classic implement of Japanese tea ceremony: the natsume (棗), a matcha caddy, paired with its purpose-built storage pouch known as a shifuku (仕覆). The natsume derives its name from its small, rounded shape, which resembles a jujube fruit, and it is used exclusively for holding matcha powder during the tea ceremony. The caddy is constructed with a wooden core, coated entirely in glossy black urushi lacquer (大漆). Its surface is decorated using makie (蒔絵), a traditional Japanese lacquer art technique, in which gold and silver powder, along with coloured lacquers, are applied to create a "fan + plum and bamboo" motif: on the left, a bamboo pattern rendered in gold, and on the right, a plum blossom pattern in gold against a red background, all accented with flowing gold lines. The rim of the caddy mouth is edged with gold, and the interior is also finished in black urushi lacquer, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that embodies the precision and aesthetic sensibility of tea ceremony utensils. Makie (蒔絵) is one of the core techniques of Japanese lacquer art, involving sprinkling gold or silver powder onto wet lacquer, then applying additional layers of lacquer and polishing to create a luxurious, long-lasting finish. The plum and bamboo motifs on this piece are auspicious symbols in Japanese culture, representing resilience and elegance. Their refined composition exudes Japanese aesthetic charm, perfectly aligning with the wabi-sabi (侘寂) spirit of the tea ceremony, which values imperfection, transience, and understated beauty. Despite its age, the lacquer shows only minor signs of wear, and the overall condition remains excellent. - The picture is part of the description. The color of the item may be slightly different from the picture (due to camera and screen settings). - The successful bidder will be responsible for any customs duties and taxes (if applicable). - This item will be mailed by the postal service of Taiwan in the form of airmail with insurance attached.