Sakura Nakanatsume by Juho Kobayashi – Japanese Lacquer Matcha Tea Caddy

Sakura Nakanatsume by Juho Kobayashi

An elegant Nakanatsume (中棗) by Japanese lacquer artist Juho Kobayashi (小林寿峰), decorated with one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal motifs—sakura (桜), or cherry blossoms.

The delicate blossoms capture the beauty of spring at its peak. In Japanese culture, sakura are admired not only for their beauty but also for the fleeting nature of their bloom. Their brief appearance each spring has long been associated with an appreciation for the preciousness of each passing moment—an idea that resonates naturally with the spirit of Chanoyu.

The Nakanatsume is a classic, well-balanced form of chaki used to hold matcha for the preparation of usucha (thin tea). The graceful sakura decoration brings a gentle seasonal presence to the tea room without overwhelming the other utensils in the setting.

Especially recommended for the sakura season, from late March through April, this natsume is a beautiful choice for a spring chakai, a cherry blossom–themed tea gathering, or for pairing with seasonal chawan and other spring utensils.

Created by Juho Kobayashi, this piece combines traditional Japanese lacquer craftsmanship with a timeless seasonal design, making it both a practical chaki for Chanoyu and an elegant addition to a collection of Japanese tea utensils.

Details

• Artist: Juho Kobayashi (小林寿峰)

• Type: Nakanatsume (中棗)

• Motif: Sakura (桜) – Cherry Blossoms

• Chaki / Matcha Tea Caddy

• For Usucha

• Recommended Season: Spring / Sakura Season

• Made in Japan

About Yamanaka Lacquerware

Yamanaka Lacquerware (Yamanaka Shikki) is a traditional Japanese craft produced in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, with a history spanning approximately 450 years.

It 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.

Yamanaka 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.

About Natsume

A natsume (棗) is a traditional Japanese chaki, or tea caddy, used to hold matcha during the preparation of usucha (thin tea) in Chanoyu.

Its 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.

Beyond 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.

A 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.