A direct translation of Chabako is a “box for tea (utensils)”. The box comes from the world of the Japanese Way of Tea. Simply put, a Chabako is a box (or in this case, a basket) for storing and transporting tea utensils, so one could enjoy a fresh cup of tea in a garden or one’s favorite spot in nature.
It is said that Sen Rikyū – who perfected the way of tea, introducing core concepts of Wabi philosophy and aesthetics – made a chest to serve a bowl of tea at a war site to Hideyoshi, the mighty warrior who united Japan. This chest is the beginning of a Chabako. Soon after, the Chabako became an appurtenance and it eventually returned to the tea room as a medium to suggest an outdoor atmosphere. The measurements of each box are such that it can contain all the utensils necessary to make a bowl of tea. These utensils are much smaller than those usually found in the tea-room.
This basket was clearly made by a master craftsman. The level of thought, care, and skill that went into its making is clear. Even areas like the bottom and interior, which are usually hidden from view, are stunning. While its primary use was to transport tea utensils, the baskets can be reinterpreted and used to fulfill other functions.
Bamboo baskets embrace plants with natural ease. In my opinion, baskets particularly those that were made for other purposes than ikebana (flower arrangement) can require more creativity and a deeper understanding of flowers, leaves, and arrangement, but often lead to more interesting and fun outcomes. In my opinion, the highest level of crafts hides endless possibilities in that any object of beauty can be reinterpreted and used in ways that were not originally intended. It was this type of dialogue that can be shared between an object and its steward that drew me into dealing art.