Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy

Octagonal Shaped Tea Caddy made using the kabazaiku method, with the distinctive cherry back texture visible. The caddy is made of cherry wood, which naturally controls humidity and has both an outer and inner lid to ensure tea leaves remain fresh. A wooden tea scoop is included.

• Material: Cherry wood and cherry bark
• Colour: Natural dark brown with cherry wood grain
• Dimensions: 12.5cm (H) x 8cm (diameter)
• Packaging: Cardboard box

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ABOUT KABAZAIKU

Kabazaiku is a traditional Japanese craft of Kakunodate, Akita prefecture. Articles like tea caddies are made by thinly shaving the bark of wild cherry trees and attaching it to bare wood vessels with a trowel. There are various types of cherry wood bark used. It is a unique craft, which is said to have originated among samurai families in the 18th century as a supplementary craft during peacetime.

Cherry bark is the primary material and is harvested in a sustainable manner to allow it to regrow, then processed and adhered to wooden or bamboo cores. Cherry bark is said to have three very important characteristics which makes it ideal:

1. It has beautiful colours, with deep reddish-brown and purple shades;
2. It creates a shiny luster when polished;
3. It is tough and durable, with a natural resistance to moisture.

A traditional kabazaiku tea caddy will be made in 11 distinct steps, all done by hand by an artisan.

Kabazaiku remains a cherished craft in Japan, with both traditional and modern designs continuing to be produced, maintaining its cultural heritage while appealing to contemporary tastes.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Do not place it in direct sunlight for a prolonged time, near a heat source such as a stove, or in a very humid place.
• Do not wash with water, just wipe out with a cloth as needed.
• Rub it lightly with a soft, dry cloth about once a year to restore the luster of the cherry bark. Be careful not to rub with a hard cloth or rub too hard. If you want, apply a small amount of beeswax to add a protective layer.