Unkin is a design featuring cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn, with the cherry blossoms symbolizing clouds and the maple leaves representing brocade. This design can be used throughout the year, regardless of the season, and is especially fitting for the spring and autumn seasons. The unkin makie, with its depiction of cherry blossoms and maple leaves, creates a vibrant and elegant tea caddy that can be enjoyed in any season.
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.
