Natsume Shikunshi Black

Yamanaka Nuri lacquer natsume (棗), a handcrafted matcha container from Ishikawa prefecture.

Shikunshi refers to the "Four Gentlemen", plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, each symbolizing noble virtues like resilience, integrity, and refinement. This traditional motif is commonly used in Japanese decorative arts to represent the changing seasons and ideal moral character.

Urushi is a natural lacquer made from the sap of the Japanese lacquer tree, traditionally used in Japan for coating and decorating wooden objects. When cured, it forms a durable, glossy, and water-resistant finish. Yamanaka-nuri (山中塗) is a traditional style of Japanese lacquerware originating from Yamanaka Onsen in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is especially known for its finely turned woodwork and high-quality urushi lacquer finishes.

The natsume got its name after the pattern painted on its surface. Hanamaru, literally meaning round flower, is medalions with iconic Japanese flowers and plants like bamboo, plum blossom, chrysanthemum, pine, and iris. These plants refer to the four season and traditional values like resilience and nobility.

The natsume comes in two colors.
A) Urushi Nuri - with a black lacquer coating
B) Tame Nuri - with a dark brown, shiny lacquer coating. This layering gives the object a deep, glowing appearance, as the base color shows subtly through the topcoat. The surface may appear dark at first, but light reveals the underlying color, creating a rich, luminous effect.

The natsume is a traditional tea ceremony utensil used to hold matcha powder during the preparation of the ceremony. Before the ceremony begins, the tea master carefully measures the required amount of matcha into the natsume, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Unlike storage containers, it is intended for presentation rather than preservation featuring a loose, easily removable lid that is not airtight.

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