Japanese Vintage Irabo Ware Chaire Tea Caddy Tea Ceremony Jar

Authentic Japanese Vintage Irabo-yaki Chaire (茶入) – Large Tea Ceremony Matcha Caddy with Shifuku & Protective Net

Discover an exceptional piece of Japanese tea ceremony history with this authentic vintage Irabo-yaki chaire (茶入), a large ceramic tea caddy traditionally used to store premium powdered matcha during formal chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).

This beautiful chaire exemplifies the understated elegance of Irabo ware, admired for its earthy clay body, natural ash effects, flowing glaze, and organic textures. Every Irabo vessel is unique, embracing the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the passage of time.

Unlike ordinary ceramic containers, a chaire is regarded as one of the most treasured utensils in a tea master's collection. During traditional tea gatherings, the tea caddy is respectfully displayed alongside the finest tea implements and often passed down through generations.

This impressive large-size chaire retains its original shifuku (silk storage pouch) featuring a traditional floral pattern and is protected by its decorative orange cord storage net (ami), helping preserve the ceramic during transport and storage.

Carefully sourced from a Japan Government Antique Auction, this is an authentic vintage tea ceremony utensil—not a modern reproduction.

Product Highlights
Authentic Japanese vintage Irabo-yaki chaire
Traditional matcha tea ceremony caddy
Large-size collector's example
Beautiful Irabo glaze with natural earthy finish
Includes original patterned silk shifuku (storage pouch)
Includes traditional protective cord storage net
Handmade ceramic with unique firing characteristics
Ideal for tea ceremony collectors and Japanese décor
Sourced directly from a Japan Government Antique Auction
One-of-a-kind collectible

Condition

This tea caddy is in excellent vintage condition.

The ceramic body is beautifully preserved with natural kiln characteristics, subtle firing variations, and age-appropriate wear consistent with careful use and storage. The original silk pouch and protective cord net remain in very good condition.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the item's description.

Additional Information
Item: Chaire (茶入)
Origin: Japan
Style: Irabo-yaki (Irabo Ware)
Era: Vintage (Showa Period, circa 1970s–1980s)
Material: Handcrafted ceramic
Accessories Included:
Original silk shifuku (tea caddy pouch)
Traditional decorative cord storage net
Use: Matcha tea storage, tea ceremony, Japanese décor, collector's display
Source: Japan Government Antique Auction
Measurements: Please refer to the listing photographs.
About Irabo Ware

Irabo-yaki is a traditional Japanese ceramic style celebrated for its warm, rustic appearance and subtle glaze effects. Originally inspired by Korean pottery admired by Japanese tea masters, Irabo ware became highly prized within the world of chanoyu for its quiet elegance and natural beauty.

The chaire occupies a central role in the tea ceremony, often serving as the symbolic heart of the tea gathering. Fine examples such as this were carefully selected by tea practitioners for both their craftsmanship and aesthetic character.

The included shifuku (silk pouch) is traditionally custom-made for each tea caddy, protecting it while adding another layer of artistic refinement. The decorative cord net further reflects the care traditionally given to treasured tea utensils.

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