What is this?

[mtexter]

Hello, 

 

I stumbled across this on an auction site, and I was curious if anyone could tell me more about it.  Described only as a Japanese wooden box.  Bonus points if you can translate the kanji on the outer wooden box!

[Shugyosha]

Hi Mike, 

I think the main bits are cherry bark (top two characters on the right) and tea caddy (cha zutsu) middle two characters on the left. 
 

I’m sure that the better linguists (or chado practitioners) will finesse this somewhat, but I hope that’s not too far adrift. 

[Fuuten]

Cherry bark tea caddy with a scoop. These scoops are generally for "sencha" green tea. As this one has a extra lid/stopper in between it is preferable to one that doesn't. Less oxygen in storage = longer shelf life. Can't help with the kanji or stamp but an added box is a plus.

 

Here's a link to some more information on these kinds of items, will also give you an idea on pricing.

https://www.artisticnippon.com/product/teacaddy/teacaddy.html

[mtexter]

Wonderful info, thank you! I got a translation from reddit:  kabazaiku

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabazaiku