Tea box 1kg
These tea boxes are made by hand one by one using traditional methods in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Chabako are wooden boxes that have been made since the Edo period to transport delicate tea leaves while maintaining their freshness. They are made from high-quality Tenryu cedar from Shizuoka Prefecture, with tightly packed tin lining and washi paper applied to the knots and seams to prevent moisture and odors from entering from the outside.
It is moisture-proof, insect-proof, and odor-proof, making it ideal for storing foods that are sensitive to moisture, such as coffee, rice, and dried foods. The compact 1kg size is convenient for storing small items such as aroma oils and incense.
The wood grain, color, and way the washi paper is applied are all unique, making each piece unique. Enjoy the changes in texture the more you use it.
| External dimensions | W16.5 x L22.2 x D16 cm |
| Inner dimensions | W12 x L17.8 x D13.5 cm |
Material: Tenryu cedar, galvanized steel plate, washi paper
Gift wrapping not available
This product is made by hand one by one using traditional methods.
- Before use, wipe the tin part thoroughly with a wrung-out cloth and allow to dry before use (you can also wipe it with a little alcohol).
- Please note that if the washi paper gets wet, it may peel off or tear.
- The washi paper is pasted on the edges, joints and knots of the box to prevent moisture. Please use it as is without removing it. Please note that if you remove it, the moisture prevention function will be reduced.
This tea box is made as a practical item for storage purposes.
- Due to the nature of the product, there may be small scratches or dents, unevenness in the galvanized iron joints and welding, and wrinkles in the Japanese paper.
- Please note that we cannot accept defective products if there are no problems with their use.
* The 1kg tea box is eligible for free shipping for orders over 12,000 yen (tax included) (excluding Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Okinawa areas).
*If you purchase multiple items, additional shipping charges may apply depending on the quantity.
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*Tea box 1kg (60 size) |
Tea box 5kg (100 sizes) |
tea box 10kg (120 size) |
Tea box 20kg (Size 140) |
|
| Hokkaido | 1,300 | 1,760 | 2,170 | 2,560 |
| Tohoku | 1,010 | 1,460 | 1,690 | 1,940 |
| Kanto/Shinetsu | 820 | 1,280 | 1,500 | 1,760 |
| Hokuriku/Tokai | 710 | 1,160 | 1,400 | 1,660 |
| Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu | 620 | 1,070 | 1,320 | 1,560 |
| Okinawa | 960 | 1,460 | 1,710 | 1,975 |
Beautiful and sturdy Tenryu cedar
The tea boxes made by Ochiai of Suzuki Woodworks are made from Tenryu cedar, which is known among Japanese conifers for its beautiful grain and high durability.
The Tenryu River basin in Hamamatsu City was originally planted with trees to control flooding caused by the feared "violent Tenryu." Forestry has been thriving here since ancient times, and the beautiful, man-managed forests are counted among Japan's three most beautiful forests, along with Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and Owase in Mie Prefecture.
Tenryu cedar grows straight and with little bending thanks to its sloping, sunny terrain and warm climate with almost no snow. It has dense annual rings and a high oil content, and is highly valued for its water resistance and strength. The dark red flesh and tightly packed, straight grain are proof of high-quality cedar.
Furthermore, by using the Tenryu cedar root ball, which has the fewest knots and a beautiful appearance, a beautiful luster and smooth wood surface are created. The comfortable texture and soft warmth unique to Tenryu cedar can be felt in your hands.
The History of Tea Boxes
After the Meiji period, as exports of Japanese tea overseas increased, the demand for tea boxes also increased, and tea box production flourished throughout the country.
Shizuoka Prefecture, a major producer of Japanese tea, is said to have had more than 50 tea factories at its peak.
After the war, with the spread of lighter and cheaper materials than cardboard and a lack of successors, the number of manufacturers continuing to carry on traditional techniques has dwindled to just a few in Shizuoka Prefecture across the country.
Tea box making inherited from Suzuki Seikansho
"Another historic manufacturing plant will be gone. Because this is a product that has been loved for so long, I hope that young woodworkers will take it over and continue to make it."
Mr. Ochiai, a woodworker involved in furniture manufacturing in Iwata City, one day heard from a familiar machine shop owner that the Suzuki Box Factory, which had a 100-year history, was closing down.
Suzuki Seikansho in Kakegawa City, founded at the end of the Meiji era, has been loved for its careful craftsmanship that has not changed since it began making tea boxes in 1921. Even today, tea box making involves many steps that must be done by hand, and the meticulous technique and intuition of the craftsmen shine through.
Ochiai, who took over the tradition of tea box making from Suzuki, wanted to connect the history and spirit of Suzuki Box Factory and to pass on the woodworking industry, which is disappearing nationwide, to the next generation.
"In order to protect and pass on the history and will of our predecessors, we want to carefully create even better products, one by one."
The husband and wife team up to make tea boxes with sincerity, adhering to traditional techniques that have been cherished since ancient times.
Suzuki Mokko
Ochiai-san is a woodworker who inherited the techniques and passion for making tea boxes from Suzuki Seikichi of Suzuki Seikansho. Together with his wife, he started Suzuki Mokko in May 2024.
Using the skills he has honed as a furniture craftsman, he also repairs old wooden products and furniture. He strives to create products that will only become more attractive over the years, while taking advantage of the natural character of the materials.
