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GATOMIKIO

GATOMIKIO Chabako Tea Box

GATOMIKIO Chabako Tea Box

$2,100.00 USD
$2,100.00 USD
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Only 1 left in stock

GATOMIKIO Chabako Tea Box is conceived as a complete, self contained tea environment, bringing together the essential utensils required for a full tea gathering within a single, architecturally composed wooden box. Crafted entirely from zelkova wood, each element reflects the discipline of Yamanaka woodturning through restrained form, controlled thickness, and a quiet surface finish that emphasizes material integrity over decoration.

Inside the box, a matcha container, tea whisk case, tea cloth case, infuser, tea bowl, and slop bowl are all formed from zelkova, unified by proportion and tone rather than repetition. Bamboo tea whisk and tea scoop complete the set, introducing a natural contrast in texture while preserving harmony. Every piece has a precise role, yet none feels isolated. Together, they establish a rhythm that supports the act of making tea with calm clarity.

This chabako is not designed for display alone. It exists to be used, handled, and returned to order. Its value lies in cohesion, longevity, and the rare ability to hold an entire practice within a single, composed object.

Detail

Box Size: W 5.7in x L 8.5in x H 5.5in / W 14.5cm x L 21.5cm x H 14cm
Material: Zelkova (matcha container, tea whisk case, tea cloth case, infuser, tea bowl, slop bowl), Bamboo (tea whisk, tea scoop), cotton (tea cloth)
Coating: Urethane

Due to handmade woodworking and material characteristics, each product has subtle variations in size, shape, texture, and appearance.

Care ＆ Use

  • Avoid direct sunlight, excessive humidity, or extremely dry conditions, as these may cause warping, cracking, or fading.
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes and prolonged exposure to heat sources.
  • Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a lightly dampened cloth and dry thoroughly immediately after.
  • Do not soak in water.
  • Do not use dishwashers, dish dryers, microwave ovens, or ovens.
  • Avoid abrasive sponges, scouring powders, alcohol, or chemical cleaners, as these may damage the surface finish.
    Ensure the item is completely dry before storage.
  • Store in a well ventilated area away from direct heat.
  • Over time, subtle changes in tone or sheen may occur. This natural aging does not affect functionality and reflects the character of the material.
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The quiet precision of Yamanaka woodturning

In the mountains of Ishikawa Prefecture, the hot spring town of Yamanaka Onsen has cultivated one of Japan’s most sophisticated woodturning traditions. For over four centuries, artisans here—known as kiji-shi—have specialized in forming the wooden cores used in lacquerware. What sets Yamanaka apart is its use of tategidori, a vertical-grain cutting technique that produces durable, visually striking forms, along with hikimono (lathe-turned objects) that require exceptional control and intuition.

A hallmark of this craft is kashokubiki, or decorative lathe carving. Using chisels against spinning wood, artisans etch fine surface patterns that enrich both the tactile experience and visual depth of each piece. Techniques include sensuji (thousand-stripe lines), arasuji (bold grooves), and itomesuji (thread-like stripes), among others—each expressing the rhythm and skill of the turner. Once hidden beneath lacquer, these carvings are now often revealed as a quiet testament to craftsmanship. Yamanaka woodturning remains a masterclass in restraint, materiality, and enduring elegance.

Brand History

GATOMIKIO is a contemporary tableware brand rooted in the legacy of Gato Mokkousho (Gato Woodworks), a woodturning workshop founded in 1908 in Yamanaka Onsen by master craftsman Mikio Gato. Established in Japan’s most renowned lacquerware region, the studio has long specialized in shaping kiji—the turned wooden forms that serve as the foundation of fine lacquerware.

Today, GATOMIKIO builds on this heritage with a vision attuned to contemporary life. The brand’s minimalist wooden vessels are not hidden beneath layers of decoration, but designed to be seen, touched, and used. Each piece is made from carefully selected domestic hardwoods and finished using fuki-urushi, a traditional method in which natural lacquer is repeatedly applied and wiped away to highlight the wood’s grain with a clear, subtle luster.

Blending precision turning with timeless materials, GATOMIKIO creates tableware that is both grounded and refined—objects that speak softly, age beautifully, and bring the quiet strength of generational craft into the everyday.