Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Chazutsu Tea Caddy, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0279-2

Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Chazutsu Tea Caddy, Mid Showa 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0279-2

A handcrafted kabazaiku bark-covered tea canister with broad-leaf plant motif and inner tin liner.

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose leaf tea, keeping it fresh and protected from moisture and light. This example is crafted in the kabazaiku tradition -- a technique associated with Japanese decorative arts in which cherry bark is layered and burnished over a cylindrical form to create a richly mottled, golden-brown surface with a natural sheen. The front panel features a bold applied motif of a broad-leafed plant rendered in contrasting darker bark, its veined, rounded leaves and sinuous stem standing out vividly against the warm amber ground. A vertical accent strip of deeper, polished bark runs along one side, adding visual structure to the composition. The domed lid fits snugly over the outer canister, and the interior reveals a separate tin liner with its own small-knobbed inner lid -- a classic double-seal construction designed to preserve the delicate aroma of fine tea. This is a compelling piece of handcrafted Japanese vintage craft with strong collector appeal.

Today this chazutsu makes a beautifully functional and decorative addition to a modern home. Display it on a kitchen counter or tea tray as a working canister for loose leaf tea, matcha, or even small herbs and spices. Its compact, sculptural form suits a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi-style interior equally well -- set on a shelf or side table as a living room accent or bedroom decor piece. It also makes a thoughtful and unique gift for Japanophiles, tea lovers, or collectors of vintage Japanese craft objects.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cherry bark outer casing (kabazaiku technique) over a tin inner canister; separate tin inner lid with knob
• Use: Storing loose leaf tea; double-seal construction preserves aroma and freshness
• Modern Use: Loose leaf tea or matcha canister; small keepsake or jewelry box; decorative living room or kitchen accent
• Features: Cylindrical form; mottled golden-brown cherry bark exterior with polished finish; applied broad-leaf plant motif in contrasting darker bark; deep accent strip along one side; fitted outer lid; removable tin inner canister with separate knobbed inner lid; age-appropriate patina throughout
• Dimensions: 3 1/4"Diameter x 4 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved example of vintage Japanese craft -- this kabazaiku chazutsu brings warmth, artistry, and quiet ceremony 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.