Japanese lacquerware tea caddy

This is a Japanese lacquerware tea caddy, also known as a natsume or chazutsu, which is used for storing tea. It is decorated with a design of autumn fruits or climbing plants. The item is often used in the Japanese art of flower arrangement (ikebana) or for the tea ceremony (chanoyu). Lacquerware is a traditional Japanese art form with a history of over 1,500 years. The cylindrical shape is a common style for tea caddies. The design on the item is an example of maki-e, a technique where lacquer is sprinkled with metallic powder, such as gold or silver, to create a design. It measures 2 1/2 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall. This is a little beauty.