The o-natsume is a size larger than standard and higher in rank, used at more formal thin-tea sittings and in arrangements where lacquer decoration is the focus. Where the medium natsume is the standard for daily lessons, the large one appears on more ceremonial occasions.
Origins
The form was organised so that lacquerers could produce large decorated containers. Lacquerers of the ten hereditary crafts serving the Sen houses, the Nakamura Sotetsu family among them, have left celebrated large natsume across generations, and much decorated lacquerware developing classical literature, the seasons, and auspicious motifs across a broad surface belongs to this size.
In practice
The larger surface is the reason for the size: it gives the maki-e room to be a picture rather than a pattern.
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
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Related terms
- Natsume (thin-tea container)natsume
The standard lacquered container for thin tea, named after the jujube fruit it resembles.
- Chaki (tea containers, collectively)chaki
The general term for vessels holding matcha, divided into thin-tea containers and thick-tea jars.
- Usuchaki (thin-tea containers, collectively)usuchaki
The general category of containers for thin tea, of which the natsume is the representative form.
- Kakemono (hanging scroll)kakemono
The scroll hung in the alcove; treated as the principal utensil, since it states the theme of a gathering.
- Naka-natsume (medium thin-tea container)naka-natsume
The standard middle size of natsume, and the container through which the basic handling is learned.
- Ko-natsume (small thin-tea container)ko-natsume
A smaller natsume, light in feeling and standard in the portable box and basket procedures.