Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy (Chazutsu), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0221-1

Vintage Japanese Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy (Chazutsu), Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0221-1

A handcrafted kabazaiku cherry bark tea caddy from the Showa era -- a quietly stunning example of one of Japan's most distinctive regional craft traditions.

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose-leaf tea, keeping it fresh and aromatic within a snug, sealed vessel. This example is crafted in the kabazaiku tradition -- a centuries-old Japanese craft technique in which strips of wild cherry tree bark (yamazakura) are carefully layered and burnished over a wooden core to create a richly textured, naturally water-resistant surface. The result is the warm, reddish-brown cylinder seen here, its exterior alive with the characteristic horizontal banding and irregular amber markings unique to each piece of bark. The caddy disassembles into several fitted components: an outer lid, a lidded inner chamber with a small turned knob, a lower body section, and a small curved accessory piece -- likely a tea spatula or scoop. This multi-part construction is typical of quality kabazaiku chazutsu, allowing for a tight seal that preserves delicate teas. The interior carries a dark lacquered finish. The craftsmanship throughout reflects the careful handwork associated with vintage Japanese craft of the late Showa period.

In a modern home, this handcrafted kabazaiku caddy earns a place far beyond the tea shelf. On a living room accent table or open kitchen shelf, it serves beautifully as a container for loose-leaf tea, coffee beans, or dried botanicals -- its natural bark surface bringing a wabi-sabi aesthetic to any setting. The inner chamber and small scoop make it equally suited as a jewelry box or keepsake container for rings, earrings, or small treasures on a bedroom dresser. With its compact cylindrical form and organic warmth, it also works as a striking decorative accent in a Japandi-style interior or as a thoughtful gift for collectors and Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted Japanese craft with genuine heritage.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Kabazaiku -- wild cherry bark (yamazakura) layered over a wood core; dark lacquered interior
• Use: Storing loose-leaf tea; traditional Japanese tea caddy (chazutsu)
• Modern Use: Loose-leaf tea or coffee bean canister; jewelry box or keepsake container; decorative accent for Japandi or wabi-sabi interiors
• Features: Cylindrical form with fitted outer lid; inner lid with small turned knob; lower body section; small curved accessory piece (spatula or scoop); horizontal cherry bark banding with natural amber markings throughout; dark lacquered interior finish
• Dimensions: 2 3/4" Diameter x 4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and tactile piece of vintage Japanese craft -- the kabazaiku chazutsu brings the quiet beauty of natural materials and centuries of regional tradition into 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.