elegant matcha tea set in chabako box - high quality portable tea drinking

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Japanese tea culture with this exquisite vintage Chabako box and utensil set. Perfect for tea enthusiasts and collectors alike, this thoughtfully designed set offers both beauty and functionality, allowing you to experience the peaceful ritual of the matcha tea ceremony wherever you go. Ideal for personal enjoyment or as a treasured gift, this set brings a moment of mindfulness to any location.

CHABAKO: A TREASURE CHEST FOR TEA RITUALS
A Chabako is a compact, portable box filled with essential tea utensils that allow you to prepare a perfect bowl of matcha anywhere. Smaller and lighter than traditional tea ceremony tools, these delicate implements fit perfectly into the small, elegant box, making it easy to carry and store.

INCLUDED IN THIS SET:
- Handcrafted mulberry wood Chabako box
- Oribe ceramic tea bowl, sweet container, and cloth holder
-Silk shifuku covers for the tea bowl, tea container, and tea scoop
- Mulberry wood whisk holder, incense holder, and tea caddy
- Bamboo whisk and tea scoop
- Foldable wood mat tied with purple cord (kizue)
- Silk mat for placing the tea bowl (chawan)

ORIBE CERAMIC CRAFTSMANSHIP: A TOUCH OF TRADITION
The ceramic pieces in this set are crafted from Oribe ware, known for its distinctive green-glazed accents that elegantly drip over a warm beige backdrop. The tea bowl and sweet container are decorated with seasonal grasses in rich brown hues, while the cloth holder features a delicate pattern of persimmons drying in the sun. Each ceramic item is stamped with the artist’s seal, adding a personal touch to this already unique collection.

HANDCRAFTED MULBERRY WOOD AND SILKEN ELEGANCE
The Chabako box, tea caddy, whisk holder, incense box, and fold-out utensil stand are made from Japanese mulberry wood. The wood’s light striations create a soft, natural beauty that complements the overall design. To add an extra layer of luxury, the tea bowl and tea caddy are each protected by a beautiful silk drawstring pouch with purple ties, featuring a stunning karakusa (arabesque) pattern in gold and beige on a rich rust-colored background. Symbolizing prosperity and longevity, this ancient pattern is considered a charm for good fortune. The bamboo tea scoop also features a matching cover made from Nishiki fabric, a traditional brocade known for its intricate designs and rich cultural significance.

CONDITION AND CHARACTER
This set is in very good vintage condition, with the exception of some wear on the bamboo whisk and subtle water marks on the fold-out utensil and tea stand. These imperfections only add to the character and authenticity of this truly one-of-a-kind set.

A PERSONAL TOUCH TO YOUR TEA RITUALS
For those new to the formalities of the tea ceremony, this compact Chabako set provides an accessible, yet authentic, way to enjoy matcha in the comfort of your own space. Lightweight and easy to store, it’s the perfect companion for travel -  as demonstrated by a dear Japanese friend who takes her Chabako with her wherever she goes, sharing the art of tea with loved ones and new friends along the way.

Whether you're savoring a quiet moment alone or sharing the ritual with others, this beautiful Chabako set elevates your tea experience to a new level of mindfulness and grace.

- box measures around  22 cm (8.7”) wide  x 15 cm (6”) high x 14 cm (5.5”) deep.
- foldable wood mat measures 57 cm (22.4”) x 21.5 cm (8.4”).
- weighs 1,500 gm.

(large wood display tray not included)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

CHABAKO TEMAE-THE WAY OF DRINKING TEA FROM A BOX
Chabako temae is so called because tea utensils are removed from and then replaced into a special box known as a chabako (tea box).  Chabako developed as a convenient way to carry the necessary utensils  for making and drinking tea outdoors, kind of like a Japanese tea picnic set! 

The basic equipment contained in the chabako are the tea bowl (Chawan), tea whisk (Chasen), tea whisk container (Chatate), tea scoop (Chashaku), tea caddy (Natsume), a linen wiping cloth (Chakin), in a special container (Chakintsutsu), a small container for  candy-like sweets named Kompeito (Furidashi), and sometimes a small feather for brushing away spilled tea powder (Kobane), and an incense holder (Kogo). The Chawan, Chashaku and Natsume are wrapped in beautiful little pouches (Shifuku) made of Nishiki brocade fabric. These are admired by the guests who are drinking tea and the host is asked the special name of the items.

The items are smaller than usual, to fit in the box. The box is usually made of a light wood to keep the weight to a minimum. The wood used for the chabako is insect proof preventing damage to the utensils stored inside.

KARAKUSA PATTERNS
Karakusa (arabesque) patterns represent a plant endlessly growing and spreading in many different directions.  This pattern was introduced to Japan by China during the Nara period (710-794). Although it originally was just decorative, the Japanese made it the symbol of prosperity and longevity, and considered it as a lucky charm. It can also be associated with other plants or decorated with different flowers. 

NISHIKI
Nishiki refers to a weaving technique which produces beautiful brocade. It features silk motifs woven on Takabata looms which originally arrived from China over 1,200 years ago.  High precision and skill is needed for this process.  It is very beautiful and the quality makes Nishiki stand apart from other works of brocade. In kanji the character used for Nishiki is a combination of the symbol for woven cloth and gold.  It gives the impression that Nishiki is equal to the value of money.

Historically, Nishiki has been highly regarded by Japanese people and they proudly refer to it as an example of Japanese beauty.  It is created by the collaboration of numerous craftsmen and involves various technical practices that take a lot of time.  

Nishiki creations are woven with colored silk thread.  The threads have a particular thickness which create impressions on the surface of the fabric. When light hits these surfaces the motifs reflect light in different ways depending on the angle and severity of the light.  Nishiki could be referred to as weaving of light!

Nishiki style fabric is used for Japanese obi, fabric goods used in the Japanese tea ceremony and waso handbags used when wearing a kimono.