Japanese Sakura(Cherry tree) bark tea caddy, Hida Shunkei lacquerware trays

Japanese Sakura bark tea caddy (Cherry wood)

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 lustous the more it is used. The best way to conserve these items' beauty is to use them on daily basis. (See care instructions at bottom of page)

* Sizes and colors may vary slightly due to the fact that Sakura bark is a natural material.

All the tea caddies in this page hold more than 3.5 Oz. (100 g)
(click the picture for more photos)


The combination of inlaid Mother of pearl and sakura bark showpieces the delicacy of the craft.Thinly sliced sakura bark is attached onto the wooden tea caddy as an ornament.		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.
Sakura bark tea caddy with inlaid Mother of Pearl (& Sakura bark tea scoop) Height 4.7" (12 cm), Diameter 3.2" (8.2cm) Scoop length: 2.9" (7.4 cm) Comes in a wooden gift box. Handcrafted in Akita, Japan US$ 62.50 +Shipping charges		Sakura bark tea caddy (Small & Large) Small: H 3.5" (9 cm), D 3.2"(8.2cm) Large: H 4.7" (12 cm), D 3.2" (8.2cm) Comes in a wooden gift box. Handcrafted in Akita, Japan Small: US$ 57.50 +Shipping charges Large: US$ 62.50 +Shipping charges


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$10.00 +Shipping charges Round rest with grapevine design: Diameter: 3.5"(9cm) Handcrafted in Akita, Japan US$8.50 +Shipping charges


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$10.00 +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$10.00 +Shipping charges
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.

Hida Shunkei lacquerware trays

The history of Hida Shunkei Nuri Hida Shunkei Nuri is a traditional lacquerware craft which originated about 400 years ago in the city of Takayama, situated in the Hida area of present day Gifu prefecture. It is said that a carpenter, Takahashi Kizaemon, much taken with the beauty of the wood grain of the Sawara Cypress tree, decided to make a tray out of it. The tray was then coated by the artisan Narita Sanaemon, who had the idea of using a transparent lacquer rather than red or black.. This had the effect of highlighting the beauty of the wood grain. The tray was much appreciated by Shigechika Kanamori, young lord of Takayama castle, under whose patronage Hida Shunkei Nuri products flourished and a great tradition was born. Over the years, various techniques were tried out and perfected while still staying true to the initial ideal of showcasing the natural grain of the wood to its best advantage. These days Hida Shunkei Nuri is known for its wide range of lacquered products, the lovely soft amber color and natural finish making it suitable for modern as well as traditional interiors and evoking a feeling of "wabi sabi". *Hida Shunkei Nuri was designated as a traditional craft by the Minister of International Trade and Industry in 1975.

Special price while stocks last!!
(These trays do not have their own box)
Handcrafted in Gifu pref., Japan

Hida Shunkei Lacquered Round tray 23.7cm(9.3")
US$24.99 +Shipping charges

Hida Shunkei Lacquered Round tray 26.7cm(10.5")
US$29.99 +Shipping charges

These trays are coated with cashew oil, a substitute lacquer which dries more quickly than the conventional Japan lacquer. The finished effect is equally beautiful and it is not easy to tell the difference between them.

Hida Shunkei Yamamichibon tray

Hida Shunkei Lacquered Yamamichibon tray

This tray is coated with conventional Japan lacquer.

Diameter: 27.6cm(10.8")
Height: 3.6cm(1.4")
Handcrafted in Gifu pref., Japan

$126.00 + Shipping charges

*This is used for a casual tea ceremony.

Yamamichibon tray

Care Instructions for Shunkei lacquerware
Hida Shunkei Nuri is durable and the transparent lacquer gets lighter and more beautiful with age.
Wiping with a soft cloth is recommended in order to keep the products dust-free and to aid the burnishing process.
Do not immerse in water for a prolonged period of time.
Always wash quickly and wipe off excess water with a soft cloth.
Do not expose to direct sunlight or strong heat as this may damage to the lacquer or cause the pieces to warp.

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