Item: Kanmogo Zo Osaka Naniwa Suzuki Hon-suzu Tea Caddy, Tea Utensil Size: Height 10.5cm, Diameter 6.7cm Weight: 488.6g Accessories: Original Box Kanmogo Zo was the name of a tinware workshop that flourished mainly from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period. Its products are characterized by their precise craftsmanship and are also highly regarded as works of art. While they primarily produced tea utensils made of tin, they also made water pitchers and sake vessels. The Airtightness Created by the Craftsman's Skill The role of a tea caddy is to preserve tea leaves deliciously. Airtightness is important to maintain the aroma of the tea leaves. The outstanding airtightness is a characteristic of tin tea caddies. When you put the lid on the tea caddy, it slowly goes down while "sucking" out the air. This is proof of airtightness and a very pleasant moment. This precision can only be created by skilled craftsmen. It is made by turning a single piece of tin on a potter's wheel, but in fact, only a few craftsmen among the Osaka Suzuki craftsmen can make it. It is truly the ultimate tea caddy, thanks to the skill of experienced craftsmen. "Preservation" is Possible Because of Tin Why do the "taste" and "aroma" of tea leaves last longer in tin tea caddies? The key is how to protect the tea leaves from "oxygen," "moisture," and "sunlight." For example, wooden and ceramic tea caddies allow air to pass through and cannot be sealed. Transparent containers, such as plastic containers, are exposed to sunlight and, of course, are also permeable. So, what about other metals, such as copper, tinplate, and stainless steel? The biggest difference between these metals and tin is the difference in the manufacturing process. In the case of tin, it is turned on a potter's wheel from a single piece. In contrast, other metals usually form a cylinder from a single sheet and connect them. The airtightness is inevitably higher in tin tea caddies, resulting in a seamless finish. Also, tin itself is less likely to oxidize and does not rust. It is also a strong material, so you can use the item for almost a lifetime. In the case of tin, it is turned on a potter's wheel from a single piece. In contrast, other metals usually form a cylinder from a single sheet and connect them. The airtightness is inevitably higher in tin tea caddies, resulting in a seamless finish. Also, tin itself is less likely to oxidize and does not rust. It is also a strong material, so you can use the item for almost a lifetime. This is an item from my father's tea utensils. I thought it was unused, but it has been used. I don't think there are any noticeable scratches or stains. For those who can use it.