Vintage Japanese Cha-bako Tea Storage Chest with Galvanized Tin Liner, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0432-1

Vintage Japanese Cha-bako Tea Storage Chest with Galvanized Metal Liner, Mid-Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0432-1

A rare mid-century merchant's tea storage chest -- complete with original galvanized metal liner, vibrant teal label, and Mt. Fuji motif -- straight from a Japanese tea shop floor.

A cha-bako is a traditional Japanese wooden tea chest used by merchants and tea wholesalers to store and transport large quantities of loose-leaf tea. Lined with a fitted galvanized metal insert, these chests were engineered to seal out moisture and preserve the delicate aromatics of Japanese green tea during storage and shipment. This example dates to the mid-Showa era, approximately 1946-1965, and retains its bold teal-printed merchant label featuring a large "cha" character, a Mt. Fuji silhouette, and descriptive tea text in romaji-era printed script -- a snapshot of postwar Japanese commercial craft. The lid and body edges are trimmed with a Greek-key patterned paper border in teal and cream, adding a decorative formality typical of quality merchant packaging of the period. Handwritten characters on the lid surface record merchant notations, adding authentic provenance to this piece of vintage Japanese craft.

Today, this generously sized cha-bako translates beautifully into a living room accent or entryway statement piece. Use it as a blanket chest or toy storage trunk -- the removable metal liner lifts out easily, leaving a clean, spacious interior. On casters, it rolls wherever you need it, making it equally practical as a side table with hidden storage in a Japandi-style living room or as a conversation-starting bar cart alternative. Its bold teal label and weathered wood grain give it a wabi-sabi aesthetic that pairs naturally with natural linen, rattan, and raw plaster interiors. A distinctive housewarming gift or collector's find for anyone who appreciates authentic Japanese vintage furniture with a working history behind it.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Softwood construction (consistent with sugi or similar conifer); removable galvanized metal inner liner with fitted metal lid panel; decorative Greek-key paper border trim; printed paper merchant label
• Use: Bulk loose-leaf tea storage and transport for a Japanese tea merchant or wholesale shop
• Modern Use: Blanket chest or living room storage trunk; rolling side table with hidden interior storage; entryway accent with Japandi or wabi-sabi styling
• Features: Removable galvanized metal liner and separate metal lid panel; teal-printed merchant label with Mt. Fuji motif and large "cha" character; Greek-key paper border trim around lid edge; handwritten merchant notations on lid surface; small caster wheels on base (may be a later addition)
• Dimensions: 27"W x 17"D x 20 1/4"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition consistent with working commercial use -- label wear, paper trim lifting at edges, and surface scuffs present; metal liner intact; structure solid throughout.

A rare survivor of Japan's postwar tea trade -- this vintage cha-bako brings authentic merchant history and bold graphic charm to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.