Kyoto Pink Checkered Matcha Tea Chazutsu Tin

A small ceremony in tin form: a traditional chazutsu (Japanese tea caddy) wrapped in pink and gold checkered washi, with the satisfying double lid that seals matcha or loose leaf against air and light. It keeps tea beautifully and looks like a jewel on the shelf while it does it.

Bought at Obubu Farms, a small tea farm in the hills outside Kyoto. The ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern is a centuries old Japanese motif, and the double walled tin caddy is the classic vessel for keeping powdered and leaf teas fresh. A working object with real provenance.

Estimated era: contemporary (traditional design).

Materials: metal tin with washi paper wrap; double lid.