{"product_id":"sakura-chirashi-akebono-o-natsume-by-soetsu-nakamura-japanese-lacquer-tea-caddy","title":"Sakura Chirashi Akebono O-Natsume by Soetsu Nakamura – Japanese Lacquer Tea Caddy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSakura Chirashi Akebono O-Natsume by Soetsu Nakamura\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elegant \u003cstrong\u003eO-Natsume (大棗)\u003c\/strong\u003e by Japanese lacquer artist \u003cstrong\u003eSoetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦)\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring a graceful \u003cstrong\u003eSakura Chirashi (桜散らし)\u003c\/strong\u003e design against an \u003cstrong\u003eAkebono (曙)\u003c\/strong\u003e lacquer finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSakura Chirashi\u003c\/em\u003e depicts cherry blossoms scattered across the surface, capturing one of the most poetic moments of the Japanese spring—the brief period when cherry blossoms begin to fall and drift through the air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe name \u003cstrong\u003eAkebono (曙)\u003c\/strong\u003e means “dawn” or “daybreak.” Its warm gradation evokes the subtle colors of the sky as darkness gives way to morning light. Combined with the scattered sakura motif, the design creates an atmospheric spring scene that is elegant without being overly decorative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe larger \u003cstrong\u003eO-Natsume\u003c\/strong\u003e form provides a generous surface for the lacquer decoration and gives the piece a distinguished presence in the tea room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis natsume is especially recommended for the \u003cstrong\u003esakura season, from late March through April\u003c\/strong\u003e, and makes a beautiful choice for a spring chakai or other tea gathering celebrating the arrival of spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated by Soetsu Nakamura, a lacquer artist known for his extensive work in utensils for Chanoyu, this piece combines skilled Japanese lacquer craftsmanship with one of the most beloved seasonal motifs in the tea tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout the Artist – Soetsu Nakamura\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦)\u003c\/strong\u003e was born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1932 and is known for his traditional lacquerware created specifically for Chanoyu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe began studying \u003cstrong\u003ekyushitsu\u003c\/strong\u003e, the traditional art of applying and building layers of urushi lacquer, under his father in 1946 and went on to devote his career to the creation of lacquer tea utensils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNakamura also studied the Way of Tea beginning in 1967 and later received the tea name \u003cstrong\u003eSokyo (宗恭)\u003c\/strong\u003e in 1987. His understanding of Chanoyu is reflected in the wide range of tea utensils he has produced throughout his career.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis craftsmanship has received numerous honors in Japan, including awards at the National Lacquerware Exhibition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNakamura is particularly well known among tea practitioners for his natsume and other lacquer utensils, including works based on \u003cstrong\u003ekonomi designs associated with distinguished tea masters of the Senke traditions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Soetsu Nakamura (中村宗悦)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: O-Natsume (大棗)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesign: Sakura Chirashi (桜散らし) – Scattered Cherry Blossoms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinish: Akebono (曙)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChaki \/ Matcha Tea Caddy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Usucha\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended Season: Spring \/ Sakura Season\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade in Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Yamanaka Lacquerware\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYamanaka Lacquerware (Yamanaka Shikki)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a traditional Japanese craft produced in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning approximately 450 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is especially renowned for its exceptional woodturning techniques. Skilled artisans carefully turn each piece to create thin, beautifully balanced forms while preserving the natural character and grain of the wood. The wooden surface is then carefully finished with layers of urushi lacquer, and some pieces are further embellished with traditional decorative techniques such as maki-e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYamanaka lacquerware is highly regarded for its combination of precision, lightness, durability, and understated elegance. Its natsume and other utensils for Chanoyu reflect generations of specialized craftsmanship, bringing together practical function and refined Japanese aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Natsume\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003enatsume (棗)\u003c\/strong\u003e is a traditional Japanese chaki, or tea caddy, used to hold matcha during the preparation of \u003cstrong\u003eusucha (thin tea)\u003c\/strong\u003e in Chanoyu.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts name comes from its resemblance to the fruit of the natsume, or jujube tree. Over the centuries, the natsume has become one of the most recognizable and important lacquer utensils in the Japanese tea tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its practical function, a natsume plays an important aesthetic role in the tea setting. Its form, lacquer finish, decorative technique, and seasonal motifs are thoughtfully selected in harmony with the other utensils, the season, and the theme of the tea gathering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA finely crafted natsume is therefore more than simply a container for matcha—it is an integral part of the artistic expression and seasonal experience of Chanoyu.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yamanaka Lacquerware","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590166597828,"sku":null,"price":380.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0560\/9409\/7604\/files\/23_8178c88c-cb7b-42f1-9ad6-eb798a98432b.jpg?v=1787954768","url":"https:\/\/narateacompany.com\/ja\/products\/sakura-chirashi-akebono-o-natsume-by-soetsu-nakamura-japanese-lacquer-tea-caddy","provider":"Nara Tea Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}