Colorful Six Gourds Natsume Matcha Container Kitano-Tojudo and bird-and-flower subjects

and bird-and-flower subjects

beautifully enhancing the presentation of the food

brought to life through the steady hand and refined skill of an experienced artisan

Its depth helps retain the food's warmth while adding a touch of style and practicality

or with a touch of detergent

Colorful Six Gourds Natsume Matcha Container Kitano-Tojudo and bird-and-flower subjectsThis natsume is a large tea caddy traditionally used for serving usucha, or thin tea. Crafted from mizume (Japanese cherry birch)a fine grained natural woodit is meticulously finished with layers of urushi lacquer from the base coat to the final polish. Since the wooden foundation is shaped by hand from start to finish, completion requires years of meticulous work. The design depicted here is the mubyo, or "six gourds" motif. In Japan, six gourds have