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Sakura bark products were first crafted as a sideline by Samurai living
in Kakunodate, Akita-pref. (Northern Honshu island) approx. 200 years ago.
The craft has been passed down through the generations and is still practised
today. The color of sakura bark gets deeper and more lustrous the more it
is used. The best way to conserve these items' beauty is to use them on a
daily basis. (See care instructions at lower part of the sakura bark section) |
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| Storing your tea leaves Green tea is best appreciated at its freshest. The quality of the tea leaves starts deteriorating as soon as the package is opened, so it is recommended that steps be taken to keep the tea fresh as long as possible. Storing in a refrigerator is the best option. (Care should be taken to wrap the package in an airtight freezer bag or thick plastic bags secured with elastic bands in order to keep the tea from absorbing food smells). After taking tea leaves out of the refrigerator, give them time to return to room temperature before opening the package as cold leaves absorb moisture. Tea caddies will normally keep the tea fresh for about 2 weeks. When using a tea caddy, fill it with just as much tea as you would normally use within 2 weeks. Sakura bark tea caddies have the advantage of absorbing excess moisture from the leaves. * Sizes and colors may vary slightly due to the fact that Sakura bark is a natural material. |
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All the tea caddies in this page hold more than 3.5 oz. (100 g) of tea.
(click the picture for more photos)
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| The tea caddies featured on this page are all hand-finished. The bark is rubbed with wax to give it a deep luster. However as sakura bark is a natural material, the finish will differ from piece to piece. Some pieces will be very smooth, whereas others will have a rougher, bumpier feel. Please feel free to contact us for a more detailed description of each individual piece. | ||
Sakura bark tea caddy (Small & Large)
Sakura bark is an ideal material for tea caddies as it has properties which
regulate the degree of humidity. It was also used for Inro (small case)
in the 17th century and for storing tabacco leaves in the 19th & early
20th century.
Shipping charges: |
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| The tea caddies may have a strong woody smell when first opened. This is the natural aroma of the wood and perfectly normal. You can lessen the strength of the aroma by placing a small amount of tea leaves in the caddy for a few days. The tea leaves will absorb most of the smell, leaving the caddy ready to use. | ||
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| Sakura bark tea scoop Made of natural sakura bark.. Size: Length 2.9" (7.4cm) Handcrafted in Akita pref., Japan US$3.00 +Shipping charges |
Sakura bark teapot rests (teapot stands) Material: synthetic core encased in sakura bark. Octagonal rest: Diameter: 3.7"(9.5cm) Handcrafted in Akita pref., Japan US$11.80 +Shipping charges Round rest with grapevine design: Diameter: 3.5"(9cm) Handcrafted in Akita, Japan US$10.00 +Shipping charges |
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| Sakura bark saucer Material: synthetic core encased in sakura bark Saucer diameter: 4.5"(11.5cm) Recess diameter: 1.9"(5cm) Handcrafted in Akita pref., Japan US$11.80 +Shipping charges |
Sakura bark saucer (koban shape) Material: synthetic core encased in sakura bark Saucer size: 4.7"x3.7" (12x9.4cm) Recess diameter: 1.9"(5cm) Handcrafted in Akita pref., Japan US$11.80 +Shipping charges |
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| CARE INSTRUCTIONS for cherry wood items * Do not immerse in water. * If the products get wet, wipe away any moisture with a soft,dry cloth. * Exposing the products to extreme heat could result in discoloration or warping. Keep away from heat sources and do not expose to direct sunlight. |
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