Vintage Japanese Copper Chazutsu (Tea Caddy) with Brass Liner, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0205-7

Vintage Japanese Tin Chazutsu (Tea Caddy) with Brass Liner, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0205-7

A handcrafted tin chazutsu with double-wall brass liner -- a rare example of mid-century Japanese metalwork at its most refined.

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose-leaf tea, keeping it protected from moisture, light, and air. This exceptional vintage Japanese craft piece is formed from hammered tin, its entire exterior worked in a close honeycomb pattern that creates a rich, tactile surface. Decades of natural oxidation have deepened the finish into a dramatic blend of dark brown, blue, and green -- a wabi-sabi patina that no modern reproduction can replicate. A riveted wavy seam runs the length of the body, adding a distinctive hand-forged character, while a square impressed seal on the base points to a named craftsman or workshop. The construction quality places this firmly among collectible Japanese vintage metalwork of the postwar era.

The inner workings are equally impressive: a polished brass cylinder lifts free of the outer tin shell, and a separate fitted brass inner lid with a small cast knob seals the contents with a precise, airtight feel -- a double-wall design that speaks to serious craft intention. Today this chazutsu translates beautifully into a modern home as a countertop canister for specialty loose teas, a compact jewelry or keepsake box on a bedroom dresser, or a sculptural living room accent on a shelf or tray. Its compact proportions and striking two-tone contrast of darkened tin and warm brass make it an ideal gift for collectors, tea lovers, or anyone drawn to Japandi style and handcrafted Japanese objects with genuine history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Hammered tin exterior with dark oxidized patina; brass inner cylinder and fitted inner lid with knob; metal rivet detailing
• Use: Loose-leaf tea storage (chazutsu)
• Modern Use: Specialty tea canister for kitchen or tea station; compact jewelry or keepsake box; decorative accent for shelf, tray, or living room vignette
• Features: All-over honeycomb hammer texture; deep blue-green and brown oxidized patina; riveted wavy seam on exterior; removable outer lid; removable brass inner liner with separately fitted brass inner lid and knob; impressed square seal on base
• Dimensions: 2"Diameter x 4 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A finely handcrafted piece of vintage Japanese metalwork -- where centuries of tea culture meet the enduring beauty of the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

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.