Natsume / Tea Caddy

In Japan, we have various styles and sizes of tea caddies, and we still use them every day. Tea caddies in Japan are made from different materials, depending on the type of tea or their intended use. Discover our wide selection of tea caddies available.

Tea Caddies for Matcha Tea

These are mainly used for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. There are two forms of Matcha tea used in the tea room. One is called Usucha (weaker tea) which is the one most commonly drunk in the tea ceremony. The other is called Koicha (stronger tea). Koicha is more formal
than Usucha and is used when we share one cup of matcha tea with up to five guests in the formal ceremony.

To make a cup of Usucha tea in the ceremonial way, we use a special tea caddy called the ‘Natsume’. This is made of wood, coated in Urushi lacquer, elegantly decorated with some seasonal or traditional pattern. The lacquer is usually black or scarlet red, though I think the
beige Urushi colour is also very elegant. We use the Natsume during the tea ceremony, and then we return the Matcha tea powder to the tin as soon as we finish and keep it in the fridge. The Natsume is as much an art object as a practical container when used as a tea caddy in the tea room.

The tea caddy we use for Koicha tea is called a ‘Chaire’. This is most often a ceramic object,
that itself is kept in a special fabric sleeve known as a ‘Shifuku’. The Chaire is a grander piece – and a more important art object - than the Natsume, and its price is higher. A top grade Shifuku will be made of elegant antique fabric, and might match the design of the Chaire. A friend of mine, Kyle, is a Shifuku maker based in the UK. It is very rare to find British Shifuku
maker in the UK!

Tea Caddies for Loose Leaf Tea

We have a range of tea caddies of different sizes and materials, for everyday use. Our newest tea caddy is made from Sakura (Cherry blossom tree) bark. Cherry bark is revered not only for its subtle beauty, but also for its practical virtues: gentle ventilation, moisture regulation, and its inherent antibacterial properties. These qualities make the caddy exceptionally suited for preserving the delicate aroma and freshness of tea leaves. Tightly sealed by skilled artisans, each caddy offers not only function, but a deep connection to the materials and methods of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Some are rough finish and some are smooth finish. I recommend using this caddy for loose leaf Sencha, Genmaicha, Hojicha or Gyokuro tea with a Sakura bark tea serving spoon. Handmade in Akita, in the Northern part of Japan.

We also have some elegant tin tea caddies decorated with a range of different patterns of Washi paper, suitable for all loose leaf teas. These use fine Japanese handmade papers, so while good for loose leaf teas, they might not be suitable for Matcha and Hojicha powder. I think these could make wonderful gifts for tea lovers. This caddy can contain up to 150g of tea.

Finally, we present these smartly designed, handmade tea caddies, featuring our sister brand Nishura East’s original design of a pine tree. Stylish and practical, and
with an internal lid, this tea caddy is suitable for coffee beans as well as for all types of loose leaf teas, as well as Matcha tea (100g) and Hojicha powder (100g).
As we have two different colour ways, it might be good to keep one for Matcha tea and one for Hojicha powder. Their quality is exceptional, and they have been
handmade in a fantastic small studio in downtown Tokyo. The studio has been run by the same family for three generations and employs just a handful of artisans to produce specialist tea caddies for many of the tea and coffee shops in Japan. What a unique and wonderful present for any coffee or tea lover.

You might keep your tea in a sealed bag, but a beautiful tea caddy can really add a sense of ritual or ceremonial. Many people drink a cup of tea in the morning every
single day, and now your morning ritual could be even more uplifting if it included your favourite tea caddy! Also, your tea can happily stay safe in the caddy, ready
for you and tasting wonderful.