Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy (Chazutsu), Mid Showa 1946-1966 | SKU: 26J-0221-2

Vintage Japanese Kaba-zaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy (Chazutsu), Mid Showa 1946-1966 | SKU: 26J-0221-2

A hand-crafted kaba-zaiku cherry bark tea caddy with a richly patterned exterior and traditional double-lid construction -- a rare example of Japanese folk craft.

A chazutsu is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used to store loose leaf green tea, preserving its aroma and freshness between uses. This cylindrical example is sheathed in kaba-zaiku -- a revered Japanese bark craft technique in which the natural outer bark of the wild cherry tree (kaba) is carefully layered and burnished over a wooden form to create a deeply lustrous, waterproof surface. The result is a richly textured exterior of warm reddish-brown tones punctuated by characteristic horizontal knot clusters and swirling grain bands, each piece of bark entirely unique. Inside, the caddy reveals its practical origins: a metal inner canister fitted with a separate inner lid topped by a brass knob, a double-seal construction traditional to Japanese tea storage. The metal interior shows honest age-related oxidation consistent with decades of use, while the bark exterior remains intact and visually striking -- a hallmark of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this chazutsu transitions beautifully from the tea room to the living room or bedroom. Its compact cylindrical form and wabi-sabi aesthetic make it a natural fit for Japandi-style interiors as a decorative accent on a shelf or side table. Use it as a small trinket box or ring holder on a vanity, a cotton swab organizer in a bathroom, or simply display it as a standalone collector's piece -- a unique gift for Japanophiles and lovers of handcrafted Japanese objects. Its sculptural bark surface makes it one of those quiet, tactile objects that invites a second look.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1966 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Cherry bark (kaba-zaiku) exterior over wooden form; metal inner canister; brass knob on inner lid
• Use: Storing loose leaf green tea; traditional chado (tea ceremony) household accessory
• Modern Use: Trinket or ring holder on a vanity or nightstand; small bathroom organizer; decorative shelf accent in Japandi or wabi-sabi styled spaces
• Features: Cylindrical form with removable bark-clad outer lid; metal inner canister with separate fitted inner lid and brass knob; distinctive horizontal kaba bark patterning with knot clusters throughout; three-piece construction (outer sleeve, inner tin body, inner lid)
• Dimensions: 3 1/4" Diameter x 3 3/4"H
• Condition: Exterior bark is intact with good patina; inner metal canister and inner lid show significant oxidation and rust consistent with age -- recommended for decorative use only

A quietly extraordinary piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this kaba-zaiku chazutsu brings the tactile beauty of traditional bark-work into any modern interior.

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.