Vintage Japanese Tea Shipping Crate (Cha-bako), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0432-2

Vintage Japanese Tea Shipping Crate (Cha-bako), Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0432-2

A rare surviving cha-bako from the Shizuoka tea country -- fully metal-lined, boldly labeled, and steeped in mid-century Japanese trade history.

A cha-bako is a traditional Japanese tea shipping crate used to transport bulk loose-leaf tea from producer to merchant, typically constructed of lightweight softwood planks with a full metal interior lining to protect the tea from moisture and odor. This substantial example originates from the Suruga region of Shizuoka Prefecture -- Japan's foremost tea-producing area -- as indicated by the large green-ground paper label still adhered to the front face. The label displays a bold brushwork character for "cha" (tea) at its center within a circular cartouche, flanked by text referencing the Okuno-ya producer and the Suruga (Sunshuu) growing district. The planked softwood body shows the warm patina of decades of use, with corner nailing, a flat lift-off lid, and rounded rope-hole hand grips cut into each side for easy carrying -- details entirely consistent with Japanese commercial tea crates of the mid-Showa era. The interior is fully lined on all four walls, the floor, and the underside of the lid with a fitted metal sheet -- likely a tin-type alloy -- forming an airtight barrier that kept the tea fresh during transport. This kind of handcrafted Japanese trade object is increasingly sought by collectors of vintage Japanese craft and Japanese vintage furniture alike.

Today, this cha-bako makes a striking statement piece that translates effortlessly into modern interiors. Its generous capacity and sturdy flat lid make it ideal as a living room storage trunk or a coffee table accent in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style setting. It works equally well as entryway furniture -- a blanket chest, umbrella bin, or seasonal storage box -- or as a dramatic bedroom decor accent beside a low platform bed. The worn green label, aged wood grain, and gleaming metal lining create a layered, industrial-meets-rustic texture that pairs beautifully with natural linen, raw ceramics, and dark iron accents. A genuinely rare piece of Japanese tea trade history, it also makes an extraordinary housewarming gift or gift for collectors who appreciate objects with authentic provenance and visual character.

• Origin: Suruga region, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Softwood planks (likely sugi/cedar), full interior metal sheet lining (tin-type alloy), green-ground paper producer label
• Use: Bulk loose-leaf tea storage and transport crate (cha-bako) from producer to merchant
• Modern Use: Living room storage trunk or coffee table; entryway blanket chest or seasonal storage; bedroom decor accent or side table in a wabi-sabi or Japandi style interior
• Features: Lift-off flat lid with full metal lining on underside; full metal-lined interior on walls and floor; rounded rope-hole hand grips on sides; planked softwood construction with corner nailing; large brushwork "cha" label with producer and regional text on front face; aged patina throughout
• Dimensions: 27"W x 17"D x 19"H
• Condition: Good vintage condition -- label partially peeled but largely intact and legible; wood shows honest age-related wear, surface scratches, and darkening consistent with decades of use; metal lining intact on all surfaces with minor oxidation spots; structurally sound.

A one-of-a-kind piece of Japanese trade heritage -- this vintage cha-bako brings authentic wabi-sabi warmth and bold graphic character 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.