This is the final items I’ve made over the last few years that make up my version of a Samurai daughter’s wedding trousseau set. During the Japanese Edo period 1615 – 1870s, it was custom for a set of fine furniture to be commissioned by a Samurai as part of the wedding trousseau for his daughter. I started this by making an Incense chest -Jisshu Koduguback in 2021, but then discovered it was only one of a set of pieces that made up this trousseau.
So, this final piece, a Chabako, was to fill the top shelf of my Zushi-dana - three-tier shelf.
Unlike Kodo the Japanese Incense ceremony, many of you will have experienced a Japanese tea ceremony. Like Kodo it has deep roots in the culture and traditions of Japan. They both follow meticulous rituals which utilizes various exquisite tools and accessories that enhance the experience and symbolism for those taking part.
Like the Kodo chest the Chabako it was designed to contain all the necessary utensils and components needed for a tea ceremony, compactly organized into a single box. Over time, these boxes evolved from purely functional items to beautifully crafted works of art, reflecting the aesthetic values of the tea ceremony itself.
Mine is decorated in the same manner as the rest of the set – a teak diamond parquetry pattern with gold mother of pearl and walnut stringing, finished with mother of pearl dots. It has a relatively simple box construction with an internal drawer, and a removable rack. This rack is used to store the tea whisk either in its bamboo box, or on its holder which helps it to keep its shape and dry it out after use.
This picture shows the items it contains. All are held in small velvet bags to prevent rattles and chipping.
The items, all of which I got off AliExpress are:
Chaire – Tea Caddy for Thick Tea – larger of the two
Usuchak / Natsume – Tea Caddy for Thin Tea – small one
Chawan – Tea Bowl
Chashaku – Tea Scoop
Chasen – Tea Whisk - on its Kusenaoshi holder and rack
Hishaku – Hot water ladle
Futaoki – Kettle Lid and Ladle Rest Kama or Chagama – Kettle / hot water pot
Furo – Water heater/warmer
Kensui– Wastewater Container
Mizusashi– Cold Water Container (missing)
Fukusa – Silk Cloth
Chakin – Hemp Cloth - still in the drawer
Sensu – Folding Fan
Shifuku– Drawsting Pouch
Place mats-Placed in front of each guest for the tea bowl.
Unfortunately in purchasing all this paraphernalia I got a bit confused with the Chinese tea ceremony, which has similar and different items. I therefore ended up with some Chinese tea ceremony items ........ So, I decided to complete the Chinese set and I'm now making another chest to hold them all!
