Tea Caddy / Obizutsu / Flat / Wakaba (Young Leaves)

This tea caddy expresses the colors of lush young leaves.
The craftwork woven from colorful variations of color fits in with interior decor and is also very practical. Kaba-zaiku is made from the bark of the mountain cherry tree, an environmentally friendly material that can be recycled even after the bark is peeled off. Items that come into daily contact with the hand, such as tea caddies, become shiny by hand and retain the unique luster of the mountain cherry tree. How about purchasing this as a gift for someone who drinks tea every day?

Tea caddy

Width：8.2cmDepth：8.2cmHeight：9.3cmWeight：220g
Volume：100g

Fancy boxWidth：13.7cmDepth：13.7cmHeight：9cm

Cherry bark
Natural wood

FUJIKI DENSHIRO

"Tradition and Innovation"

I believe that the careful craftsmanship of products will lead to trust. I hope to pass this spirit of innovation on to the next generation while preserving our 200 year old traditions.

ARTISAN STORY

Fujiki Denshiro
We are a company that has been making Kaba-zaiku (wild cherry bark work) in Akita Prefecture for seven generations since 1851. The bark of the cherry tree, one of Japan's most popular tree/flowers, is used to make products that are delivered all over the world. Fujiki Denshiro's products are really beautiful and give a natural presense at any home or any table anywhere in the world!

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Received the Silver Medal at the San Francisco World's Fair
・Received Good Design Award
・Received Asia Design Award

KABA ZAIKU / AKITA CHERRY BARK CRAFT

About 240 years ago / 1780s / Edo Period (1603–1868)

Kaba-zaiku developed in Kakunodate in the late eighteenth century after techniques for working wild cherry bark arrived from the Ani region. Samurai households adopted the craft as supplementary work, producing tobacco containers and inro; during the modern era, production expanded to tea caddies, document boxes and other household objects.

In Japan, wild cherry bark is admired for its natural surface and the deeper gloss it develops through use. Tea caddies are especially prized because the fitted construction protects leaves from humidity, making the craft remarkably compatible with modern kitchens as well as traditional tea culture.

Despite the name kaba, the material is not white birch but the bark of wild cherry trees. The bark can be harvested without cutting down the tree and regenerates when collected properly, allowing the same woodland resource to be used over long periods. The craft therefore embodies an unexpectedly sustainable relationship with the forest.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.