The gesture

Placed next to the teapot or tetsubin, it changes something about the way you prepare tea: you open the inner lid before the outer one, you take the time to measure out the leaves with a spoon rather than pouring them directly from the bag.

Why it is different

The exterior is covered in wild mountain cherry bark, handcrafted using the kabazaiku technique. Each golden streak and auburn vein is natural: it is the bark itself, polished to reveal its depth. No dye is used; the shades come solely from the bark and its polish.

Why kabazaiku rather than a classic canister

Kabazaiku involves harvesting the bark of wild cherry trees without felling the tree—the bark regenerates—then scraping, heating, and hand-polishing it to reveal its natural veins before applying it to the body of the canister. This tradition was born in Kakunodate, in Akita Prefecture, over two centuries ago. The interior, with its double-walled brushed steel and gold-colored aluminum, protects the tea from humidity, odors, and light: a canister as functional as it is exceptional.

Why I chose it

“I chose this canister for its material before even thinking about its function. Cherry bark provides a texture and warmth very different from those of a metal tin. I love the fact that each piece can have its own unique nuances and that the material remains visible instead of being completely masked. It is a beautiful example of how an everyday object can also tell a story about its material.”

Is it right for you?

You will love it if

• you are sensitive to natural materials where each piece has its own unique nuances
• you want to store loose-leaf tea away from light, humidity, and odors
• you like the idea of an object to pass down rather than replace
• you are looking for a beautiful container to give as a gift

It is probably not for you if

• you are looking for a container that can be run under water without a second thought
• you prefer a canister with a neutral style rather than a material that stands out

Wild cherry bark (yamazakura) handcrafted using the kabazaiku technique, double-walled interior in brushed steel and gold-tone aluminum, 100g tea capacity, made in Kakunodate (Akita).

In practice

Designed for 100 g of tea. Estimated dimensions: approximately 6.5 cm in diameter, 10 cm in height (to be confirmed by direct measurement). Wipe with a dry cloth; the bark is not varnished and absorbs humidity, which protects the tea, but avoid any prolonged contact with water.

An object designed to last

The original label, still present on the box, bears the inscription 角館 樺細工 (Kakunodate kabazaiku) and the reference W255, guaranteeing its direct provenance from Kakunodate. A piece intended to last through the years and be passed down.