[Vintage] Tsugaru-nuri Natsume Tea Caddy (Kara-nuri, Vermilion)

*This product is a vintage item. It is not a new product, so please be aware if you are looking for a new item.

Tsugaru-nuri, a traditional craft from Aomori Prefecture, is known for its rich presence and distinctive lacquer sheen. Among its signature techniques, karanuri involves nearly 48 meticulous steps—layering colored lacquer, polishing, and revealing intricate patterns—resulting in a surface where no two pieces are ever the same.

This natsume (tea caddy) features a vibrant vermilion lacquer finish, a warm and luminous expression of the kara-nuri style. Soft, mottled patterns emerge within the glossy surface, shifting subtly with the angle of the light. While originally crafted as a tea caddy for the Japanese tea ceremony, its refined presence also blends beautifully into modern interiors.

This vintage piece comes with a wooden storage box and a traditional ukon cloth used in Japan to protect lacquerware—accessories that reflect the care with which it has been preserved.

Although traditionally used to hold matcha (thin tea), it is also appreciated by international customers as a versatile small container for everyday use:

• Jewelry and accessories
• Desk essentials
• Incense or aromatic wood
• Keepsakes and personal treasures

Lacquerware develops a deeper sheen and a softer feel the more it is used. This evolving beauty is one of the unique pleasures of Tsugaru-nuri. We invite you to enjoy the craftsmanship, warmth, and quiet elegance this piece brings into your daily life.

Precautions for using lacquerware

• Please handle lacquerware with care, as the surface can be delicate.
• When storing or using it together with other items, friction or accidental scratches may cause the lacquer coating to wear or peel.
• Wash gently by hand, wipe dry with a soft cloth, and store in a place away from direct sunlight.
  This will help preserve the lacquer surface for many years.
• Do not soak the item in water. Prolonged exposure may cause the lacquer to deteriorate or peel.
• Avoid using microwave ovens, ovens, direct heat, or dishwashers, as these may damage the lacquerware.
• As this is a handcrafted lacquer item, please take care to avoid impacts, rubbing, or dropping it, as this may cause the lacquer to peel or the surface sheen to fade.