This is a vintage Japanese natsume or tea caddy used in the chanoyu tea ceremony.  It holds the powdered green tea called matcha. A qualitynatsume such as this is made of turn wood, typicallyhinoki or Japanese cypress. The wood is lacquered in the traditional Japanese method with over 20 coats of urushi lacquer. This particular lacquer is black. Featuring birds in flight on the lid and maple leaves on the body. This is a beautiful example of Japanese lacquerware.

This Natsume has scratches and one chip that can be seen in phots 9 and 10 this natsume remains in fine condition. The tea caddy is in the typical natsumi shape and a normal size fornatsume measuring approximately 2 1/4" in diameter by 2 1/2" tall (5.5 x 6.5 cm). A very elegant and functional piece of art to hold your favorite tea or some other treasures. PLEASE NOTE Any other items shown in the photos besides the Natsume are props and example of how the item might be used and are NOT included in the sales of this listing.