Handmade Kabazaiku, cherry bark tea caddy

Expertly crafted tea caddies made from shaved, moulded and polished wild spring cherry tree bark.

These caddies are fully wrapped inside and out with cherry bark from spring sakura trees. The bark can be removed from the tree without impacting the health of the tree. There is no waste as smaller parts of bark are then used to make items such as tea scoops and other souvenirs from Kakunodate. These can also be repaired and re-polished making them items that can be passed on for generations. 

The art of Kabazaiku was initiated by samurai warriors as a supplementary work task approximately 220 years ago during the Temmei Era. This craftsmanship was adopted by the townspeople of Kakunodate (Akita Prefecture) and continues to be perfected in an environment rich in culture. Natural cherry bark breathes. It handles moisture well and is naturally antibacterial. Its tough surface makes Kabazaiku craft-ware suitable for everyday use. An intricate relationship exists between cherry bark, wisdom, and the devotion of skilled craftsmen that brings about a special harmony found in unique and beautiful kabazaiku products.

Recommendation: The caddy has a natural scent of cherry wood. Before first using add a small amount of tea to the caddy and leave for a few days. The tea will impart it's scent on the caddy. You can then remove this tea and store your new leaves in without the scent of wood impacting your high quality leaf. We recommend storing tea in these for a maximum of three months. 

Care Instructions:  

• If possible do not expose the Kaba-zaiku canister to prolonged periods in direct sunlight 
• Do not expose the wood to liquids, high levels of humidity
• Avoid exposing the canister to high temperatures or dryness such as being placed next to or on top of a radiator 
• These caddies are designed to be used with tea.
• The cherry wood has been been proven to have antibacterial properties. 
• If you decide to wash the canister please do not use any coarse sponges. Make sure to dry the canister thoroughly

• Producer: Yatsu-yanagi. Founded in 1897
• Size: approx  8cm diameter | 9cm height (100-150g loose leaf tea)
• Material: Sakura bark
• Region: Kakunodate, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture
• Made in Japan 

A note from the producer:

"We at Yayanagi are making products that are close to modern life while inheriting traditional techniques and manufacturing methods. With the high technology of millimeters that has been passed down from generation to generation, we make tools for living that are safe, secure, easy to use and beautiful, one by one, with all our hearts, and tools that are useful for everyone’s lives and in our daily lives. , We will deliver the warmth of nature that makes you feel relieved."