{"product_id":"sakura-nakanatsume-by-juho-kobayashi-japanese-lacquer-matcha-tea-caddy","title":"Sakura Nakanatsume by Juho Kobayashi – Japanese Lacquer Matcha 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\u003cbr\u003e\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\u003ch3\u003eSakura Nakanatsume by Juho Kobayashi\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn elegant \u003cstrong\u003eNakanatsume (中棗)\u003c\/strong\u003e by Japanese lacquer artist \u003cstrong\u003eJuho Kobayashi (小林寿峰)\u003c\/strong\u003e, decorated with one of Japan’s most beloved seasonal motifs—\u003cstrong\u003esakura (桜), or cherry blossoms\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eNakanatsume\u003c\/strong\u003e is a classic, well-balanced form of chaki used to hold matcha for the preparation of \u003cstrong\u003eusucha (thin tea)\u003c\/strong\u003e. The graceful sakura decoration brings a gentle seasonal presence to the tea room without overwhelming the other utensils in the setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEspecially recommended for the \u003cstrong\u003esakura season, from late March through April\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArtist: Juho Kobayashi (小林寿峰)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType: Nakanatsume (中棗)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMotif: Sakura (桜) – Cherry Blossoms\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\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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yamanaka Lacquerware","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46590158667972,"sku":null,"price":250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0560\/9409\/7604\/files\/13_4eed2b8a-ac11-4c57-92d9-f96d44ea1918.jpg?v=1787954344","url":"https:\/\/narateacompany.com\/products\/sakura-nakanatsume-by-juho-kobayashi-japanese-lacquer-matcha-tea-caddy","provider":"Nara Tea Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}