Short description of the item and its origin Curated especially for the "It's Tea Time! : The Art of Tea in Japan" auction, this exquisite set of 5 traditional Japanese tea ceremony matcha caddies (Natsume) exemplifies the understated elegance of Japanese tea culture (Chanoyu). Crafted from natural wood and finished with smooth, deep black Urushi lacquer (Ki-urushi), these caddies feature the classic bulbous silhouette inspired by the jujube fruit. In Japanese tea rituals, the Natsume plays a central role as the primary vessel for holding powdered green tea (Matcha) during thin tea (Usucha) preparations. Two of the caddies feature authentic handwritten white calligraphy on their lids ("Take-da" 竹田 and "Kami-bayashi" 上林), indicating their historic provenance and use in dedicated tea gatherings. Originating from Japan, the set comes complete with its original paper storage box. Collector’s Value & Benefits Essential Japanese Tea Culture Artifacts: As a traditional utensil of Chanoyu, this set directly honors the spirit of Wabi-sabi and the aesthetic traditions featured in the "It's Tea Time!" auction. Complete & Functional Set of 5: Offering a full matching ensemble of five black lacquer Natsume, this set is exceptionally practical for tea ceremony hosts, practitioners, or collectors of Asian antique lacquerware. Authentic Provenance & Craftsman Inscriptions: The handwritten character marks on select lids add real historical character, connecting the pieces to traditional tea master collections and authentic tea room practice. Timeless Aesthetic: The lustrous black lacquer finish offers a serene, minimalist visual balance that fits seamlessly into both classical tea room settings and modern interior displays. Dimensions (in cm) Outer Box: 28.5 cm × 6 cm × 6.5 cm Each Matcha Caddy (Natsume): 5 cm × 5 cm × 3 cm Weight (in grams) 1000 g Shipping method Shipping & International Duties: ● Based on our inventory storage locations, we ship our items from either Japan or China to destinations worldwide. ● We pack all items with extreme care to ensure safe transit. However, once the package is handed to the carrier, we cannot be held responsible for delays or minor surface wear that may occur due to changes in humidity or temperature during international transit. ● Please be aware that import duties, taxes (VAT), and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Depending on your country, expect an additional 22%–35% of the total value (price + shipping) to be charged by your local customs office upon delivery. ● Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.