NATSUME - lacquered tea caddy

At the tea ceremony the powder tea Matcha is given with a bamboo - teaspoon from a small lacquer box into the tea bowl. These lacquer cans are often preciously decorated and painted and are small works of art. Natsume of high and highest quality often reach astronomical prices. A simple black lacquer can of the highest quality can be more expensive than a painted can. The varnish is applied in more than thirty slightly translucent layers on top of each other. Each layer is carefully sanded and polished. This creates a mysterious deep shine. If there is even the slightest defect in one of the layers of lacquer, it can be seen on the surface. The simple black Natsume of good quality is a deep expression of the Zen spirit.