Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume with Tomobako, Heisei (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-2

Vintage Japanese Lacquer Natsume with Tomobako, Heisei (1990-2018) | SKU: 26M-101-2

A signed lacquerware natsume celebrating the beauty of autumn -- presented in its original wooden tomobako storage box.

A natsume is a small, lidded caddy used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) to hold powdered matcha. Named for its resemblance to the jujube fruit, the natsume is one of the most cherished utensils in chado, and fine examples are traditionally stored in a fitted tomobako -- a wooden box inscribed by the maker. This piece is finished in a rich, deep black urushi lacquer with a subtly textured lid surface that catches the light beautifully. The lid is decorated with a single brushed character reading "aki" (autumn), rendered in a muted silver tone against the dark ground -- a classic seasonal motif that evokes the wabi-sabi aesthetic of Japanese tea culture. The tomobako is crafted from a pale, close-grained hardwood, with the artist's signature and seal hand-brushed onto the side panel in confident calligraphy, confirming this as a named artisan work rather than a production piece.

Beyond the tea room, this handcrafted Japanese lacquerware caddy translates beautifully into a modern home. Its compact cylindrical form and dramatic black finish make it an ideal ring box or small jewelry keeper on a bedroom vanity or dressing table. It works equally well as a living room accent piece -- displayed on a shelf or coffee table alongside other vintage Japanese craft objects in a Japandi style or minimalist decor setting. The signed tomobako adds collector appeal and makes this a truly unique gift for tea ceremony enthusiasts, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates fine lacquerwork.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Wood body with black urushi lacquer finish; pale hardwood tomobako storage box
• Use: Matcha storage caddy (natsume) for use in the Japanese tea ceremony
• Modern Use: Ring box or small jewelry keeper; decorative accent on a shelf or coffee table; gift for tea ceremony collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Deep black urushi lacquer body; textured lid with "aki" (autumn) character in muted silver; snug-fitting lift-off lid; includes original signed and sealed tomobako wooden storage box with purple ribbon tie
• Dimensions: 2 1/2"Diameter x 2 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully signed piece of vintage Japanese lacquerware -- where the quiet elegance of the tea ceremony finds a natural home in any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.