Tea Caddy, named Tall (Seitaka) second half of the 17th century Nonomura Ninsei Japanese This small, thin tea caddy was designed to hold thick matcha, a powdered green tea used in the tea ceremony. The work of Nonomura Ninsei marks a turning point in the history of Kyoto ware. In 1647, Ninsei built a kiln near the Ninnaji Temple in Omuro, in northwest Kyoto. He excelled in creating tea wares, and greatly benefited from the support of the influential tea master Kanamori Sōwa (1584-1658). Known for its technical refinement, Ninseis colorful, overglaze-decorated Omuro ware immediately became a sought-after commodity. The artist merged earlier traditions of local ceramic production with high-fired glazing techniques of tea wares produced in Seto (Owari Province) and with his training in Tanba pottery.. Tea Caddy, named Tall (Seitaka) 53832