Vintage Japanese Chazutsu Tea Caddy, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0334-1

Vintage Japanese Chazutsu Tea Caddy, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0334-1

A richly glazed red-clay lidded caddy -- compact, handcrafted, and full of wabi-sabi character.

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose-leaf tea and keep it fresh between uses. This compact example is hand-formed from clay and covered in a deep brick-red glaze that pools and blisters across the surface in a beautifully irregular pattern -- a hallmark of Japanese folk pottery and the wabi-sabi aesthetic that prizes natural imperfection. The fitted disc lid, topped with a smooth central knob, seats snugly into the mouth of the jar, while the glazed base shows a recessed foot ring typical of wheel-thrown Japanese ceramics. The warm, saturated red-brown tone -- ranging from burnt sienna to deep rust -- gives the piece a bold visual presence despite its small scale. As a piece of vintage Japanese craft, it reflects the continued tradition of functional ceramics made for everyday tea culture during the Late Showa period.

In a modern home, this petite chazutsu works beautifully far beyond the tea shelf. Its sealed lid and compact cylinder form make it a charming desk organizer for paper clips, nibs, or small office supplies. Displayed on a kitchen counter or dining sideboard, it doubles as a spice jar or small condiment keeper. With its rich earthy glaze, it also stands alone as a living room accent piece -- an ideal gift for Japanophiles or anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese ceramics with a Japandi style sensibility. Its modest footprint suits a bathroom organizer role as well, holding cotton swabs or small toiletries with quiet elegance.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Clay with rich red-brown glossy glaze; glazed base with recessed foot ring
• Use: Tea caddy (chazutsu) -- originally used to store loose-leaf tea and keep contents fresh
• Modern Use: Desktop organizer for small items; kitchen spice or condiment jar; living room or bathroom accent piece
• Features: Cylindrical form with irregularly textured glaze surface; fitted disc lid with central knob; glazed recessed foot; warm brick-red to rust coloration with natural glaze variation throughout
• Dimensions: 2 1/4"Diameter x 3 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A small but striking piece of vintage Japanese ceramic craft -- the kind of quietly beautiful object that brings warmth and authenticity to any modern shelf or tabletop.

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.