This exquisite wooden chaire (koicha vessel) is made in the Akoda (阿古陀) style, mimicking the shape of a certain variety of Japanese pumpkin or kabocha. The piece is finished in a deep, translucent red-brown lacquer.

Chaire (茶入 - tea container), pronounced cha-ee-reh or chai-reh, are ceramic vessels used to hold high-grade matcha used to make koicha (thick matcha). Historically, chaire lids were made from ivory, coated with gold or silver leaf on the underside. While ivory lids made from stores of old ivory are still common in Japan, many alternatives are also being used, such as resin, galalith/lactoloid, porcelain, wood, lacquer, bone, and horn.

Dimensions:

6.9cm (2.7in) - width
6.7cm (2.6in) - height

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States.