Sofia Martinez
Natsume are small, lacquered wooden containers used to store and present matcha or green tea leaves during Japanese tea ceremonies. They are one of the two types of containers used to hold and present matcha during the ceremony, and are used specifically for preparing thin tea or usucha (foamy matcha). While most natsume are made of wood, some are made of plastic, steel, or tin. They come in various shapes and sizes, including flat, large, small, and medium. To identify a plastic or wooden natsume, one must consider the material, size, shape, and intended use of the container.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Lacquered wood, plastic, steel, tin |
| Shape | Rounded base, flat top, cylindrical, flat |
| Size | Small, medium, large, ippuku (one serving) |
| Use | Storing matcha or green tea leaves for Japanese tea ceremonies |
| Care | Keep in a humid environment, polish with a dry cloth, avoid metal or rough ceramics |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Natsume are typically made of lacquered wood
Natsume are available in a variety of sizes, including large (ō-natsume), medium (chū-natsume), and small (ko-natsume). There are also smaller variations such as the ippuku natsume, which holds just enough tea for one serving of koicha, and the hira-natsume, which has a flattened shape with a diameter about twice its height. The basic type is the "Rikyū shape", which typically has a plain black lacquer finish inside and out, with the lid fitting onto the body at about 7/10 the distance up from the base.
Natsume with a lacquer finish are durable but require some care to keep in good condition. For example, they should be handled gently to avoid scratches and stored in a slightly humid environment to prevent the lacquer from drying out. While a dry cloth is usually sufficient for cleaning, a quick wash in lukewarm water with a soft sponge and mild detergent is also acceptable if needed.
While most natsume are made of lacquered wood, there are also natsume made of other materials such as plastic, steel, and tin. Plastic natsume, for example, are often used for storing matcha for koicha and typically have a small capacity of around 50ml. Steel natsume, on the other hand, are known for their airtight design and are decorated with traditional floral designs. Tin natsume are handcrafted and come in various colours like black, red, and shiny.
Mr. Coffee: BPA-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are used for storing matcha or green tea leaves
A natsume is a traditional Japanese container used for tea ceremonies. It is a small lidded container used for storing matcha or green tea leaves.
Natsumes are typically made of wood and coated with lacquer. They are usually not airtight and are only suitable for storing matcha for one day. However, some modern versions have an extra plastic lid inside to make them airtight, allowing for longer-term storage.
When used in a tea ceremony, the host carefully selects the natsume for the matcha that will be used, ensuring that it harmonizes with the other equipment. The natsume is then used to store and present the matcha during the ceremony.
The size of a natsume can vary, with the basic type, the "Rikyū shape", coming in large, medium, and small sizes. There are also smaller versions like the ippuku natsume, which holds enough tea for one serving. The shape can also vary, with some natsumes having a flat or rounded base, while others are more cylindrical.
To maintain the quality of matcha stored in a natsume, it is important to keep it away from excess oxygen, light, and odours. While the freezer or refrigerator can be used for storage, it is recommended to bring the tea back to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation from spoiling it.
Securing Plastic Fittings: To Tape or Not to Tape?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They come in a variety of sizes
Natsume are thin tea containers, named after the Chinese jujube fruit due to their resemblance in shape. They are used to store and present matcha during a tea ceremony. The basic type, the "Rikyū shape", comes in three sizes: large (ō-natsume), medium (chū-natsume), and small (ko-natsume).
In addition to these three main sizes are even smaller varieties such as the ippuku natsume (one serving natsume), which holds just enough tea for one serving of koicha. The hira-natsume (flat natsume) has a flattened shape with a diameter roughly twice its height. The shiribari (stretched bottom) variety has a rounded base that is wider than the lid.
The natsume shape is distinct from various cylindrical vessels, such as the nakatsugi, which has a perfectly cylindrical shape with a flat top and bottom. The line where the lid meets the body is perfectly in the middle, giving the nakatsugi its name. This style of usuchaki predates the natsume and is believed to have descended directly from the yakki, old wooden medicine containers that may have originated in China.
Natsume come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 50ml to 400+ml.
Connecting Plastic Water Lines: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic natsume are not airtight
Natsume are small, lacquered containers used to store and present matcha (powdered green tea) during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. They are an integral part of the host's toriawase, or the art of carefully selecting utensils to suit a particular occasion and create a desired atmosphere.
Natsume are typically made of wood, though they can also be made of plastic, steel, or tin. They are often coated with lacquer, which gives them a shiny appearance and makes them more durable. However, one drawback of plastic natsume is that they are usually not airtight.
Because most plastic natsume are not airtight, they are not suitable for long-term storage of tea leaves. Prolonged exposure to humidity can cause the tea leaves to become damp and spoil. Plastic natsume are intended only for the presentation and heightening of the tea-making experience during a Japanese tea ceremony. For this reason, some natsume come with a plastic insert to protect the tea leaves from humidity.
If you are looking for a natsume that can also store tea leaves for an extended period, you may want to consider a stainless steel natsume with a plastic lining. These containers are lightweight, sturdy, and can tightly seal to keep the tea leaves fresh. They are also designed to match the traditional Japanese tea hut and Zen Garden aesthetic.
Overall, while plastic natsume may not be ideal for storing tea leaves, they can still play an important role in the Japanese tea ceremony and add to the beauty and enjoyment of the experience.
Attaching Cloth Straps to Plastic: Best Practices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They are an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony
Natsume are an integral part of the Japanese tea ceremony. They are small, lacquered wooden containers used to store and present matcha powder for making thin tea (usucha). The name "natsume" comes from the Chinese word for "jujube" or "Chinese date", due to the similarity in shape.
In the Japanese tea ceremony, the host carefully selects the utensils to suit the occasion and create a desired atmosphere or balance, a practice known as toriawase. The natsume is chosen to harmonise with the other equipment used, and it is one of the items that guests pay particular attention to.
The tea master will use two large scoops of a Chashaku (a vertical scoop) to get around 2 grams of matcha powder from the natsume. This is the perfect amount for one bowl of matcha. The tea master then slowly adds hot water to the bowl, allowing it to cool before it touches the matcha powder. They will then use a matcha whisk to gently scrape the sides of the bowl and mix the tea in a zigzag motion, creating a light foam on top for a smoother taste and consistency.
Natsume are typically finished with a plain black lacquer inside and out, though there is variation among the different types and sizes. For example, the hira-natsume has a flattened shape with a diameter about twice the dimension of its height. The Kōdai-ji bun natsume, named after Kōdai-ji in Kyoto, features the imperial chrysanthemum seal and the paulownia seal of the regent Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
As most natsume are lacquered, they require some care to keep in good shape. For example, they should be kept out of direct sunlight and stored in a slightly humid environment.
How Plastic Impacts Cats' Health and Lives
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A natsume is a tea caddy used for storing matcha or green tea leaves for Japanese tea ceremonies.
Traditionally, natsumes are made of lacquered wood. However, they can also be made of plastic, steel, or tin.
There are three main sizes of natsumes: large (ō-natsume), medium (chū-natsume), and small (ko-natsume). There are also smaller variations such as the ippuku natsume and the hira-natsume, which has a flattened shape.
Plastic natsumes are typically small, black, and used for storing matcha during tea ceremonies. They may also have a plastic insert to protect the tea leaves from humidity.
Wooden natsumes are typically lacquered and may have a floral design. They are often chosen to harmonize with other utensils used during the tea ceremony.
