Natsume matcha tea box

Natsume tea box is an essential itemduring tea ceremony as it is used to store matcha tea. It owes its name to its shape, which resembles a jujube (Chinese red date). Its origins date back to the 14th century. It is usually made of lacquered wood and requires careful maintenance.

This is why it is now available in ABS resin, which is durable and easier to maintain. Natsume is mainly used to store matcha used to prepare « usucha », a light tea. Natsume are traditionally black in color and come in three sizes: large, medium, and small.

Most common are medium-sized, measuring approximately 6.5 cm in diameter. They are used to store classic matcha tea for usucha. Small ones are reserved for high-quality matcha tea or or ceremonie grade matchas, used to prepare « koicha » (matcha transformed into a rich, thick paste using less water and more matcha powder per serving.

Its intense flavor is a pure delight for matcha lovers). When pouring matcha tea into natsume or when removing tea from its box to prepare a drink, it is recommended to sift it to remove any clumps of tea and for better dissolution.

This natsume with fine stripes is a common pattern meant to evoke a spinning top.