{"product_id":"natsume-van-moerbeihout-kuwa-no-ki-matcha-theebus","title":"Mulberry wood natsume (桑の木 \/ kuwa no ki)","description":"\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eHandmade tea box (natsume) made of \u003cstrong\u003emulberry wood (桑の木 \/ kuwa no ki)\u003c\/strong\u003e , finished in natural colour with rubbed urushi lacquer (\u003cstrong\u003e拭き漆 \/ fuki-urushi\u003c\/strong\u003e ), which allows the living wood grain to remain beautifully visible. The signature “来来” (RaiRai) on the original storage box (tomobako) and the red seal indicate a craft workshop or product line that produces this beautiful piece.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e The box has a rich, warm color, the wood grain undulating elegantly all around and exuding a tranquility, befitting the design of a classic tea ceremony object (茶道具). Included is the original tomobako with the calligraphy: \"桑木目 来来 ふきうるし\", as well as the information leaflet highlighting the cultural and historical significance of mulberry wood as a symbol of longevity and well-being.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Maker\/Signature: 来来 (RaiRai)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Material: Mulberry wood\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Finish: Fuki-urushi (rubbed lacquer)\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Dating: ca. 1980 – 1995\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Origin: Japan\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e Condition: Excellent\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e Accessories: \u003cspan\u003eOriginal tomobako (wooden storage box).\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n \u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncluded: Original information leaflet “長寿 桑の木 のしおり”, which explains the symbolism of mulberry wood as the wood of longevity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eCalligraphy \u0026amp; Seal: “来来” (RaiRai), a craft signature of a studio or maker, applied in brush and red seal.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDating\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e Late Shōwa to early Heisei period (circa 1980–1995). The technique used, the type of calligraphy, and the accompanying brochure point to this period, a time when Japanese workshops once again focused on natural materials and simple, refined lacquer finishes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSymbolism \u0026amp; context\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n \u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003eIn the Japanese tea ceremony (茶道 chadō), simplicity equates to beauty. This natsume embodies that ideal: the warm mulberry wood, the sheen of the lacquer, and the tranquility of the craftsmanship. The brochure explains that mulberry wood symbolizes longevity, strength, and inner peace, and that the grain deepens its beauty over time.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e The name RaiRai adds a spiritual dimension to this, the continuous arrival of prosperity, a rhythm that brings harmony between man and nature.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eCondition \u0026amp; usage\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e In excellent condition, with no damage or loss of lacquer. The color has a soft, honey-brown depth and a silky sheen that only develops with age.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv dir=\"auto\"\u003e Ideal as a chaki for the tea ceremony or as a collector's item for those who appreciate the subtlety of Japanese lacquerware. This piece blends effortlessly with both modern and classic interiors, creating a tranquil focal point in any tea setting.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thee van Anke","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52644763271514,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/2799\/7530\/files\/Meiboom1.jpg?v=1772665085","url":"https:\/\/www.vananke.com\/products\/natsume-van-moerbeihout-kuwa-no-ki-matcha-theebus","provider":"vananke","version":"1.0","type":"link"}