Vintage Japanese Tea Caddy Chazutsu 茶筒 – Kabazaiku 樺細工 – Cherry Bark & Bamboo Pattern

The chazutsu 茶筒 is a Japanese tea caddy traditionally designed for storing tea leaves. Unlike the natsume, which is associated with matcha and the tea ceremony, the chazutsu is used for everyday tea.

📐 Characteristics

Origin: Japan, discovered in Yamaguchi Prefecture
Estimated era: Shōwa era, second half of the 20th century
Type: Japanese tea caddy – Chazutsu 茶筒
Craftsmanship: Kabazaiku 樺細工 / traditional cherry bark work
Materials: Cherry bark, metal structure and interior
Technique: Cherry bark marquetry
Pattern: Bamboo – Take 竹
Closure: Outer lid covered with bark and inner metal lid
Dimensions / weight: Ø 6.5 cm × H 11 cm – 100 g
Condition: Good vintage condition with traces of time and use. Presence of small cracks in the light part of the marquetry, some wear on the edges, and significant patination with oxidation on the metallic interior. These marks are visible in the photographs and attest to the age of the piece.

🍵 Description

This Japanese chazutsu 茶筒 tea caddy immediately captivates with the contrast between the deep reddish-brown of the cherry bark and its large light-colored bamboo marquetry pattern.

The cylindrical body is adorned in the tradition of kabazaiku 樺細工, highlighting the natural irregularities, lines, and nuances of the bark. On the main face, the stems and leaves of take 竹 bamboo stand out in deep brown against a strongly veined light background. The decorative work is very well executed.

Inside, the chazutsu has a metallic lining decorated with partially faded old bamboo motifs and a second metal lid. This double-closure system is intended for storing tea leaves such as sencha, bancha, gyokuro, or hōjicha, but can also hold anything you like!

Today, it can also find its place in a collection of traditional Japanese craftsmanship or simply become a beautiful decorative object.

🌸 What is Kabazaiku 樺細工?

Kabazaiku 樺細工, also referred to as 桜皮細工 – sakuragawa-zaiku, is a Japanese craft dedicated to working with wild cherry bark.

The bark is carefully prepared, softened, and thinned before being applied to the object's form, then worked and extensively polished to reveal its natural luster. Each piece has its own unique veins, irregularities, and nuances, meaning no two kabazaiku creations will ever have exactly the same surface.

Chazutsu, boxes designed to store tea, are among the most emblematic creations of this craft.

🦝 Our opinion

We love the contrast of this tea caddy between the beautiful deep brown cherry bark and its large bamboo marquetry motif!

The natural marks of the bark, the delicate bamboo leaves, and the patina acquired over time give this chazutsu a lot of character.

A very lovely piece of vintage Japanese craftsmanship, both functional and decorative, perfect for tea lovers and collectors of traditional Japanese objects alike.

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