This elegant vintage Kiyomizu-yaki Japanese tea ceremony set is arranged in a traditional wooden chabako (茶箱), a portable cabinet designed to keep the essential utensils for preparing matcha neatly organised and protected.
The ceramic pieces are crafted in the style of Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼), Kyoto pottery admired for its refined forms, delicate painted decoration, and close association with the Japanese tea ceremony. Each vessel features a different traditional design, creating a harmonious yet varied ensemble. The matcha bowl is decorated with an elaborate arrangement of seasonal flowers and auspicious objects, while the water jar displays expressive blue brushwork and the waste-water bowl is adorned with colourful floral motifs.
The set includes:
Mizusashi (水指) – Kiyomizu-yaki water jar used to hold fresh water during the tea ceremony
Size: 13 x 13 x 15cm
Chawan (茶碗) – Kiyomizu-yaki matcha tea bowl
Size: 12 x 12 x 8cm
Kensui (建水) – Kiyomizu-yaki bowl for receiving discarded water
Size: 15 x 15 x 7cm
Chasen (茶筅) – bamboo whisk used to blend matcha and hot water
Hishaku (柄杓) – bamboo ladle for transferring water
Size: 19cm long
Chashaku (茶杓) – slender bamboo scoop used to measure matcha powder
Size: 6 x 6 x 38cm
Vintage chakin (茶巾) – traditional tea cloth made from Kiasa Nara-zarashi linen (木麻奈良晒)
Size: 15 x 27cm
Wajima-nuri tea caddy – lacquerware container associated with Tatsutagawa (立田川)
Additional storage boxes and the original fitted wooden chabako cabinet
Size: 17 x 17 x 51cm
A chabako allows tea utensils to be transported and used outside a formal tearoom, making it suitable for informal tea gatherings, seasonal outings, or compact home practice. When opened, the tall cabinet also presents the utensils beautifully as a decorative display.
This set brings together Kyoto ceramics, bamboo implements, traditional linen and Japanese lacquerware, reflecting the thoughtful combination of materials central to chanoyu, the Way of Tea. It would make a distinctive addition to a tea ceremony collection or an atmospheric display for admirers of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
As a vintage set, the wooden cabinet and utensils show signs of damage, age, use, surface wear and patina. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the condition and completeness of each component.
