Antique Japanese Tea Chest (Chabako) With Zinc-Lined Interior

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Craftsmanship and Details:
Manufacturer Traditional Japanese artisan made.
Style Meiji or Taisho Era Antique Tea Chest (Chabako). This rustic storage … Read more Craftsmanship and Details:
Manufacturer Traditional Japanese artisan made.
Style Meiji or Taisho Era Antique Tea Chest (Chabako). This rustic storage box features a simple, functional rectangular form with a lift-off lid, designed for the specialized transport and preservation of tea leaves.
Materials Constructed from thick natural wood planks with a hand-applied white-wash finish. The interior is fully lined with original galvanized tin/metal to provide an airtight, moisture-proof environment.
Colors The exterior is finished in a weathered, distressed white and natural wood tone. One side features a prominent hand-painted calligraphy inscription in black ink reading 朝比奈 露 (Asahina Tsuyu). The interior showcases the mottled grey and silver patina of aged zinc-lined metal.
Construction Authentic plank-built joinery designed for durability. The lid is a precision-fit lift-off style, and the metal lining is hand-fitted to the interior wooden walls to prevent spoilage of contents.
Period Late 19th to Early 20th Century.
Condition Antique condition. The wooden exterior shows significant age-appropriate distressing, including chips and wear to the painted finish that highlight its rustic character. The tin lining remains intact, showing a heavy patina consistent with historical use.
Notes The hand-painted Kanji 朝比奈 露 translates to "Asahina Dew," a poetic branding associated with premium green tea from the famous Asahina region. See less