Japanese Tea Caddy: 14 Things You Need to Know

by Laura Miyasaka & David McElhinney | Craft

Cherry Bark Tea Caddies, available at Japan Objects Store

Tea has a storied history in Japan. Not just because there are more than 100 tea varieties, but because of the traditional ceremony held when drinking it. A tea caddy is an essential tool for the Japanese tea ceremony. These elegant vessels, often lacquered and decorated with traditional motifs, are used to store matcha tea before its served to guests.

If you want to find out more about Japanese tea caddies and their role in the tea ceremony, read on.

1. What is a Tea Caddy?

Black Lacquer Tea Caddy, available at Japan Objects Store

Japanese tea caddies are a vital component in the slow and precise dance of sado or chado, both meaning the way of tea.

Ritualistic tea drinking was born in China, later adopted by Japan during the Kamakura period (1192-1333). It was largely the preserve of Zen monks until Sen no Rikyu, a 16th-century monk in the court of the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, popularized the practice by focusing on its harmonious connection to nature and the simplicity in the objects used.

One of these objects was the tea caddy, which is a small, cylindrical or cuboidal cannister used for storing and serving tea, and if made correctly, for keeping it moist. There are now two main kinds of Japanese tea caddy: natsume (棗), usually wooden and used for thin tea; and chaire (茶入れ), usually ceramic and used for thick tea.

To find out more about some of the other items used during the Japanese Tea Ceremony, check out 19 Essential Japanese Tea Ceremony Utensils.

2. Where Does the Japanese Tea Caddy Come From?

Late Spring: Tea Ceremony by Shiro Kasamatsu, 1932

Under the influence of Sen no Rikyu, the utensils used in the tea became prized for their aesthetic value. The Yamanoue no Soji-ki, a book of secrets on tea utensils authored by a disciple of Sen no Rikyu, spoke of the Three Great Tea Caddies of the World: Hatsuhana, Narashiba and Nitta, cherished ceramic containers introduced from China to Japan. Toyotomi Hideyoshi had all three under his ownership at one stage, each of which had value exceeding that of an entire feudal domain.

As the arts become more prevalent in Japanese culture during the Edo period (1603-1868), the styles of and materials used to craft tea caddies exploded, turning caddy production into a thriving industry.

One of Japan’s premier tea caddy manufacturers was established much later, however, in 1875. The Kyoto-based Kaikado company grew to prominence during the Mejii era, which lasted until 1912, iterating upon traditional techniques with a new and imported material. Japan had opened its borders to the West after more than 250 years of isolation, engaging in trade with the US and the UK. Tinplate was imported from England, and Kaikado saw this as an ideal material for caddy manufacturing. 150 years after its inception, the company still produces long-lasting, intricate caddies for tea ceremony.

3. What are Japanese Cherry Bark Tea Caddies?

Cherry bark tea caddies are made in-part or entirely from a natural and sustainable material, cherry tree bark, which can be harvested from live trees that will rejuvenate before the next harvest. As cherry tree bark is a natural material, no two items are the same, each has its own unique knot pattern and color. It is particularly sought after as with each touch, the wood’s luster deepens, giving a richer shade of a reddish brown over time and is why it is a popular choice for everyday items.

4. What is Kabazaiku Art?

Kabazaiku is the art of incorporating cherry tree bark into everyday items, such as tea caddies, and cases to store medicine, tobacco leaves and personal stamps. Cherry tree bark makes an excellent natural material to use as it has antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, cherry tree bark absorbs moisture, wicking away excess moisture from tea leaves and medicine to keep them fresh for longer.

The art of kabazaiku dates back 200 years ago, during Japan’s Edo period, when lower rank samurai in the cherry-tree-abundant region of Kakunodate, Akita, in northern Japan, turned to the craft initially as a sideline for income. Due to the cherry tree bark’s luscious color, it is thought that even 200 years ago, kabazaiku art items were given as gifts. Later, during the Meiji period former samurai turned to the art of kabazaiku as a way to make a living. This led to the beginning of a tradition that has been preserved through generations dedicated to the craft. To this day, Kakunodate is still famous for its one of a kind cherry tree bark tea caddies that cannot be found anywhere else in Japan.

5. How Do You Use a Tea Caddy?

Cherry Bark Tea Caddy, available at Japan Objects Store

Tea caddies are used for storing and serving matcha, and for their aesthetic presence, during a tea ceremony. You can also use them for everyday tea storage, but it’s worth checking whether they are airtight – natsume often aren’t, for example, unless paired with an inner lid. If not airtight, then its best to keep the tea elsewhere and transfer it to a caddie after grinding or prior to serving.

6. What are Japanese Tea Caddies Used With?

Matcha Tea Set, available at Japan Objects Store

There are several different utensils used during the tea ceremony. Here, we’ll outline a few of most important:

Chakin: a white hemp or linen cloth used to clean the chawan (tea bowl)

Chasen: a bamboo whisk used to mix the tea and water

Chashaku: a scoop used for transferring the tea, usually made from bamboo or ivory

Chawan: bowls for drinking the matcha tea – check out our handcrafted ceramic selection at Japan Obects Store

Hishaku: a bamboo ladle used to pour hot water into the tea

Kama: a cast iron or copper kettle used to heat the water (10 Things to Know About Cast Iron Kettles)

Sensu: a folding fan, kept closed during the ceremony, used for greetings and giving thanks

You don’t need all of these items to enjoy Japanese tea however. You can start with just the bowl, whisk and spoon, which you can purchase as a set.

7. How is a Tea Caddy Made?

Red Lacquer Tea Caddy, available at Japan Objects Store

Tea caddies can be made from a variety of materials. We’ll cover some of the most popular styles below:

Wood: wooden tea caddies are usually made from cypress or cherry bark. An artisan will craft the wood into a cylindrical or sometimes cuboidal shape alongside a lid for placing on top of the caddy. Decorations are then added, including kinpaku (gold leaf); painted motifs, like flora, birds or scenes from nature; and urushi (lacquer).

Ceramic: ceramic caddies are thrown by master potters and baked in kilns. They often have an oblong shape, like a small flower vase, with a spiral pattern on the bottom of the caddy. These patterns are important in some forms of the tea ceremony and are created as the potter removes the clay from the wheel. Ceramic caddies are often rustic and imperfect, displaying the Japanese aesthetic quality of wabi sabi.

Tin: As mentioned, metal caddies were popularized in Kyoto during the late-19th century, crafted from highly malleable tin. They are prized for their simplistic yet slick designs, and are weather resistant and sturdy which protects the tea within. As tin oxidizes over time, the caddies change color, breathing new life into the aging products.

8. How are Cherry Bark Tea Caddies Made?

The cherry bark is harvested. First, sections of bark are carefully stripped from wild cherry trees in the mountains of Kakunodate, Akita. This is carried out during August and September when the water content is high so the bark is soft and peels away easily from the trunk of the tree. The bark is then bundled and carried back to the warehouse where it is dried for two years before it is ready for use.
The cherry bark is then shaved and filed until smooth.
Then the bark is shaped. Using a hot iron, the craftsman carefully shapes and wraps the cherry tree bark around the tea caddy. It is this process of molding the bark with heat to the tea caddy that requires years of experience and extensive knowledge of the craft as it must be done at exactly the right temperature.
The lid is fitted. Using a knife and excellent craftsmen skills, the lid is cut away from the body of the tea caddy. This step also requires particular care and practice to ensure the tea caddy will be airtight.
The tea caddy may be polished. Cherry bark tea caddies can have two finishes, shimofuri, which has a gray-brown finish, and is unpolished, for those that want to appreciate the natural look of cherry tree bark. Mujigawa, on the other hand, refers to a polished finish and has a deep reddish brown color.
Finishing touches are applied. Some tea caddies are finished with carvings such as cherry blossom flowers which make for the perfect gift.

9. Why is Cherry Bark Ideal for Storing Tea?

Due to its ability to regulate humidity and its natural antimicrobial properties, cherry tree bark is a first choice to use as a material for tea caddies. In addition, as the wood has open pores, it is able to absorb essential oils over time and can keep tea fresh for up to three months, much longer than the average tea caddy. But because it absorbs these oils, it is advised to store tea of similar quality and variety in the same tea caddy to not change the flavor of the tea.

10. Are Cherry Bark Tea Caddies Sustainable?

Just one third of a cherry tree’s bark is stripped so that it will not wither and will rejuvenate before the next harvest. In order to harvest bark, the cherry tree needs to be quite mature, around 70 years old, so the health and longevity of the cherry tree is very important for the kabazaiku artists.

11. What are the Benefits of Using Cherry Bark Tea Caddies

It is antimicrobial and non-toxic, so is food safe.
It regulates humidity by absorbing excess moisture, keeping its contents fresher for longer.
As it is a natural material, each item is unique with color and knot variation.
It is sustainable as only a third of the tree’s bark is harvested and it can fully rejuvenate before the next harvest.

12. Where to Buy a Japanese Tea Caddy?

We’ve got a great selection of tea caddies, matcha bowls and other chado materials at the Japan Objects Store.

You can also visit venerable tea caddy manufactures when traveling in Japan. For wooden tea caddies, head to Inami, a town with 200 woodwork artisans in Toyama Prefecture. Ceramic towns have proliferated throughout the country; you’ll find rustic tea caddies in many of these, especially in Saga Prefecture, a heartland of Japanese pottery. And for tin caddies, head to the flagship Kaikado store and café in Kyoto City.

13. Where Can You Buy a Genuine Cherry Bark Tea Caddy?

Japan Objects is now partnering with Denshiro, a seven generation, family-run business that curates unique tea caddies using kabazaiku art in Kakunodate, Akita. Denshiro has a rich history dating back to 1851 and have since been dedicated to their craft creating authentic, timeless and sophisticated pieces. In our store, you can find a variety of these handmade tea caddies such as one with an inlay of sakura flowers, as well as modern designs that incorporate the tradition of kabazaiku art.

14. How to Take Care of Your Cherry Bark Tea Caddy?

To ensure your tea caddy stands the test of time and you get to watch it become more luscious as the years go by, please see below for our top tips to preserve the longevity of your cherry bark tea caddy.

● Avoid immersing your tea caddy in water and wipe away any water as soon as possible to avoid cracks and to keep the shape of the tea caddy.

● Do not expose to high heat as it could potentially cause the shape of the tea caddy to warp.

● Do not expose the tea caddy to direct sunlight as it may affect the color.

● Do not store in a very dry space or in the refrigerator.