Mt. Fuji & Sakura Maki-e Nakanatsume Matcha Tea Caddy

Mt. Fuji & Sakura Maki-e Nakanatsume by Soryo

An elegant Japanese Nakanatsume (中棗) by lacquer artist Soryo (宗凌), featuring a classic scene of Mt. Fuji and sakura (cherry blossoms).

Mt. Fuji has long held a special place in Japanese culture and is associated with auspicious beginnings, longevity, and good fortune. Paired with delicate sakura—one of Japan’s most beloved symbols of spring—the design creates a distinctly Japanese landscape that is both celebratory and seasonally expressive.

The decoration is executed in maki-e, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique in which metallic powders are applied to the lacquered surface to create luminous decorative designs. The combination of Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms gives the piece an elegant yet joyful presence in the tea room.

The Nakanatsume (中棗) is a traditional form of chaki used to hold matcha for the preparation of usucha (thin tea). Its well-balanced proportions make it a versatile and familiar form in Chanoyu.

This combination of Mt. Fuji and blooming sakura is particularly appropriate for the spring tea season and is especially recommended for use from March through April. It makes a beautiful choice for a spring or sakura-themed chakai, as well as for celebratory tea gatherings.

With two of Japan’s most iconic motifs brought together in one composition, this natsume also makes a meaningful addition to a collection of Japanese tea utensils.

Details

• Artist: Soryo (宗凌)

• Type: Nakanatsume (中棗)

• Motif: Mt. Fuji & Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)

• Decoration: Maki-e

• Chaki / Matcha Tea Caddy

• For Usucha

• Recommended Season: Spring / Sakura Season

• Made in Japan

Yamanaka Lacquerware is a traditional craft produced in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history of about 450 years. It is particularly known for its precise woodturning techniques, which create thin, smooth wooden surfaces, and for its exquisite lacquer coating and maki-e (gold or silver decoration). Multiple layers of lacquer enhance its durability and elegant gloss. Yamanaka lacquerware natsume (tea caddy) exemplifies both craftsmanship and refined beauty, making it a highly valued tea ceremony utensil that blends functionality with artistry.

Natsume is a lacquered container used in the tea ceremony to store powdered matcha. It is named after the shape of the natsume fruit. The natsume helps preserve the quality of the matcha, as it protects the powder from moisture and air, which can cause it to deteriorate. It is an essential tea utensil, combining both functionality and aesthetic value in the tea ceremony.

Nishimoto a distinguished producer of Yamanaka lacquerware based in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, specializes in crafting and selling tea ceremony utensils, lacquerware. With a significant market share in tea ceremony items, including matcha bowls, thin tea containers, and incense boxes, Nishimoto is celebrated for its precise "Kiri-Awase-Guchi" technique and elegant lacquer finishes. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern designs to enhance the enjoyment of matcha and its ambiance. Nishimoto’s dedication to quality and innovation has earned its products widespread acclaim in specialty stores and department stores, contributing to the global recognition of Yamanaka lacquerware.