Kaikado（開化堂） - 茶叶盒/箱 - 千禧年2000纪念版 - Kabazaiku（Cherry Bark Craft）茶叶罐套装 - 东大寺特别版

【Rare Kaikado Copper Tea Caddy – Todai-ji Temple Millennium 2000 Commemorative Edition with the Calligraphy and Seals of Chief Abbot Moriya Kosai, accompanied by an Akita Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Tea Caddy】

This is an exceptionally rare, custom-made copper tea caddy (Chazutsu) crafted by Kaikado, Kyoto’s legendary workshop established in 1875, renowned worldwide for making the finest handmade tea caddies in Japan.

This specific piece is a completely non-commercial, highly exclusive commemorative edition made around the year 2000 to celebrate the millennium ("Two-Thousand-Year Milestone") of Todai-ji Temple in Nara, one of Japan’s most historically significant and famous temples.

・Key Features & Historical Value:

Exclusive Inscription & Signature: The side of the caddy features the engraved inscription "東大寺 永護" (Todai-ji Eigo), which derives from the temple's founding philosophy of "eternal protection of the nation." Below the text, it bears the official title, stamped seals (Rakkan), and the grand brushed signature (Kaō/stylized monogram) of Moriya Kōsai, the 214th Chief Abbot (別当) of Todai-ji Temple.

・Masterpiece of Craftsmanship:

True to Kaikado’s legendary 130-step handmade process, the lid is tailored with such microscopic precision that when placed on the rim, it seamlessly glides down and closes automatically under its own weight, displacing air with absolute airtight perfection.

・Authentic Artisan Details:

The bottom features the signature "Heso" (soldering mark), a definitive proof of being completely handmade by a master craftsman. It was custom-ordered directly by the temple, making it a pure ceremonial artifact without standard retail logos.

・Beautiful Aging (Patina):

The outer copper body has developed a stunning, rich vintage patina over the past two decades. The inside is lined with premium tin-plated steel (Buriki), remaining in immaculate, bright, and mirror-like rust-free condition. It provides unparalleled airtightness and light protection for loose-leaf tea or coffee beans.

Accompanying it is a beautifully crafted Akita Kabazaiku cherry bark tea caddy, representing one of Japan's most famous traditional woodcrafts. Made from carefully polished wild cherry bark, Kabazaiku tea caddies have long been prized for their natural beauty and excellent humidity control, making them ideal for storing tea.

Together, these two tea caddies represent two of Japan's finest traditional crafts—Kyoto metalworking and Akita cherry bark craftsmanship. They are not only practical tea utensils but also elegant collector's pieces that beautifully reflect Japanese culture and artistry.

Both pieces remain in good vintage condition with natural signs of age and use consistent with their history. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

The copper tea caddy measures approximately 9.5 cm high × 6.5 cm in diameter, while the Kabazaiku tea caddy measures approximately 12 cm high × 8 cm in diameter.

・Condition:

Excellent Vintage Condition. The exterior boasts a magnificent natural copper patina from careful handling and age.
The interior is flawlessly clean, bright, and free of any rust or odors.
The signature airtight auto-closing mechanism functions perfectly.

【Shipping & Taxes】

This item will be shipped by EMS (Express Mail Service) from Japan Post with tracking and insurance.

Delivery usually takes approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on customs clearance and local postal conditions.

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