Basket for Transporting Sencha Tea-Ceremony Utensils (Chakago or Teiran) 1872 - 1882

Hayakawa Shōkosai I crafted this intricate bamboo basket for transporting sencha tea utensils during the 19th century. It's more than just a container; it reflects the rise of sencha tea culture among Japan's literati and merchant classes. Sencha tea, unlike the more ritualized matcha, offered a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere. The beauty of this basket lies in its functionality combined with refined craftsmanship, elevating a practical object to an art form. The meticulous weaving speaks to the values of the time, emphasizing skill and artistry in everyday life. Studying tea manuals, diaries, and the biographies of tea masters can reveal how objects like this played a role in shaping social identities.