Cherry bark measuring spoon

9 x 4 cm

Making kabazaiku requires a great deal of work and knowledge. The bark must be harvested from wild trees aged 70–80 years, as the bark of younger and cultivated trees is not robust enough. In spring, scouts head into the mountains of northern Japan to locate the wild trees, as they are easier to find at this time because of the blooming sakura blossoms. The bark is then harvested in late summer or early autumn after the rainy season in Japan, when it is softer and easier to remove.

Kabazaiku products are environmentally friendly and do not harm the trees in the long term, as only one-third of the bark is removed and the trees have the regenerative capacity to grow back enough bark for the next harvest.

Due to their airtight and antibacterial properties, kabazaiku crafts in the form of (household) containers have always been popular. Tea containers are particularly well-suited, not only because of these ideal properties but also because of Japanese tea culture. Production is highly labor-intensive and requires a great deal of experience and artistic skill. There are about 10 stages, depending on the type of craft, the type of bark, and the design.