Nasu Chaire with Pure Silk Oshidori Karakusa Shifuku – Koicha Matcha Caddy

Nasu-gata Cha-ire with Pure Silk Oshidori Karakusa Shifuku

A refined Japanese Nasu-gata Cha-ire (茄子形茶入) accompanied by a shoken (正絹, pure silk) shifuku featuring the traditional Oshidori Karakusa-mon (鴛鴦唐草文) design.

Nasu-gata – A Classical Cha-ire Form

Nasu-gata (茄子形) is a traditional cha-ire form named for its resemblance to the softly rounded shape of a Japanese eggplant (nasu). Its compact body, gentle curves, and balanced proportions give the vessel an elegant and distinctive presence in the tea room.

A cha-ire (茶入) is traditionally used to hold matcha for the preparation of koicha (thick tea). Within Chanoyu, the cha-ire is an important utensil, appreciated not only for its function but also for its form, glaze, lid, and accompanying shifuku.

Pure Silk Oshidori Karakusa Shifuku

The accompanying shifuku (仕覆) is made from shoken (正絹), or pure silk, and features an elegant Oshidori Karakusa-mon (鴛鴦唐草文) pattern combining mandarin ducks with flowing arabesque vines.

Oshidori (鴛鴦), or mandarin ducks, are traditionally depicted in pairs and have long symbolized harmonious partnership, enduring affection, and marital happiness in Japanese decorative arts.

The karakusa (唐草) pattern consists of gracefully scrolling vines that appear to continue without end. Their continuous growth has made karakusa an auspicious symbol of vitality, continuity, and lasting prosperity.

Together, the paired oshidori and flowing karakusa create a richly symbolic design expressing harmony, enduring bonds, and prosperity.

In Chanoyu, the shifuku is more than simply a protective pouch for the cha-ire. Its textile, pattern, color, and cord are thoughtfully appreciated as part of the complete presentation of the utensil.

The combination of the classical Nasu-gata form and beautifully patterned pure silk shifuku makes this cha-ire an elegant choice for koicha, chakai, and formal Chanoyu settings, as well as a meaningful gift for a wedding, anniversary, or other celebratory occasion.

Details

• Type: Cha-ire (茶入)

• Form: Nasu-gata (茄子形) – Eggplant Form

• Use: Koicha / Thick Tea

• Includes: Shifuku (仕覆)

• Shifuku Material: Shoken (正絹) – Pure Silk

• Shifuku Pattern: Oshidori Karakusa-mon (鴛鴦唐草文)

• Motif: Mandarin Ducks & Arabesque Vines

• Made in Japan