Japanese Tea Caddy NATSUME w Gourd

This exquisite Japanese Tea Caddy NATSUME w Gourd is a must-have for any tea lover. Handcrafted from high quality materials, it features sharpened gold and Raden lacquer, as well as Fuki-urushi applied to the boxwood fabric. With six gourds elegantly drawn, it is the perfect way to store and preserve your favorite tea with style. Add this piece to your collection today for a look that is both classic and contemporary.

Yamanaka lacquerware, also known as Yamanaka Shikki, is a traditional Japanese handicraft that has been around for over 400 years. It originated in the Yamanaka Onsen area of Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture and is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, intricate patterns and delicate beauty it brings to everyday objects. A range of pieces can be made with this craftstyle including bowls, trays and utensils.

The process begins with carefully selecting high quality zelkova or Japanese horse chestnut wood before using a lathe to shape the wood into desired forms. At this stage the craftsman carves intricate patterns called 'rokkaku' or 'kashoku'. Once carved then layers thin coats of lacquer are applied by hand before being left to dry between each layer. The last step is adding finishing touches such as gold leaf decoration or painting onto it before firing it in an oven at low temperatures to seal in all the layers together giving it its characteristic shine and gloss which altogether make up Yamanaka lacquerware's famed beauty.