Japanese Vintage Chabako Tea Ceremony Wooden Storage Box Unused

An authentic Japanese vintage 1970s wooden Chabako (茶箱), originally intended for the storage and organization of utensils used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

This particular example is especially interesting because of its practical interior arrangement. Unlike a simple wooden tea box, it features multiple built-in shelves, a small upper drawer, and a full front wooden door, creating a compact cabinet-like space for organizing tea utensils and related accessories.

The box is made from light-colored natural wood and has a simple, understated appearance that reflects the functional aesthetic often found in traditional Japanese tea-related objects.

According to the seller's provenance, this piece was sourced from a Japanese antique auction and has never been used. It remains in unused vintage / new old stock condition, making it an unusual opportunity for collectors looking for an untouched Japanese tea-ceremony storage piece.

The original cardboard packaging is also shown in the photographs.

The understated natural wood appearance makes this piece suitable not only for a traditional tea room, but also for a Japanese-inspired interior, collector's display, studio, or as a distinctive storage piece for small objects.

What Is a Chabako?

Chabako (茶箱) literally refers to a tea box and is associated with the storage and transportation of tea utensils.

In Japanese tea culture, chabako can be designed to hold various implements needed for preparing and serving tea. Depending on the style and design, a tea box may accommodate items such as a tea bowl (chawan), tea caddy (natsume), tea whisk (chasen), whisk stand, ladle, and other small utensils.

Chabako are also appreciated today as attractive Japanese storage objects, and their simple construction makes them suitable for other decorative and practical uses.

Features
Authentic Japanese vintage piece
Approximately 1970s
Chabako / Japanese tea-ceremony storage box
Natural light-colored wood
Multiple internal shelves
Small upper drawer
Front wooden door with traditional metal fitting
Compact cabinet-style design
Unused vintage / new old stock
Original cardboard packaging shown
Sourced from a Japanese antique auction
Suitable for tea ceremony collectors and Japanese interior design
Condition

Excellent unused vintage condition / new old stock.

This piece has never been used according to its provenance and retains its original unused appearance.

The photographs show the actual item you will receive. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.

There may be minor marks, variations in the natural wood grain, small traces from storage, or age-related characteristics associated with a vintage wooden item that has been stored for many years. These should be regarded as part of its vintage character rather than modern damage.

The original cardboard packaging is also included/shown as photographed and has visible age and storage wear.

Additional Information

Item: Japanese Chabako Tea Ceremony Storage Box
Japanese: 茶箱 (Chabako)
Period: 1970s
Country: Japan
Material: Natural wood
Design: Shelved tea-utensil storage cabinet with drawer and front door
Condition: Unused vintage / new old stock
Provenance: Japanese antique auction
Included: Wooden Chabako box and original packaging shown in photographs

Important Note

This listing is for the empty wooden storage box only.

No tea bowls, tea caddies, whisks, ladles, or other tea-ceremony utensils are included unless specifically shown as part of the item in the photographs.

The photographs are of the actual piece being offered.

📢 Important Shipping Policy Update
To ensure safe delivery, we currently ship one item per order only.
Orders with multiple items may be canceled and refunded. Once your item arrives safely, you’re welcome to place another order.

📦 Condition
Please review all photos carefully, as they form part of the item description. Dimensions and additional details are provided in the images.