Japanese Wood Coasters | Set of 5 | Tea Saucers | Zelkova | Handcrafted | Natural Grain | Wabi Sabi | Zen Decor | Traditional | Rustic Style

The Story Behind This Piece:

Deep within the vast storehouse (kura) of a 150-year-old traditional folk house (kominka) in the mountainous northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture—an area once celebrated for its "tatara" iron manufacturing—these five wooden coasters (chataku) were discovered. Hidden behind a heavy, lacquer-finished chest, they lay preserved inside a paulownia wood box. These pieces date back to the early to mid-Showa era (late 1940s to 1950s), a period when Japan's "Mingei" (folk art) movement was at its peak, finding profound beauty in functional objects used by ordinary people in their daily lives.

The original owner of these coasters was the patriarch of a family that had served as village headmen for generations. In those days, the homes of local dignitaries were hubs of social interaction. These coasters were essential "omotenashi" (hospitality) tools, used specifically for greeting guests during New Year's celebrations or important communal gatherings. Crafted by a skilled woodturner from sturdy Zelkova (Keyaki) wood, the powerful grain patterns evoke the resilient vitality of a tree that has endured many harsh winters. The precise concentric circles (dokoma-bori) carved into the center were more than mere decoration; they symbolized the owner’s wish for a harmonious life and for the family's prosperity to ripple outward through the generations.

Imagine the scene of their use: a fire flickering in the sunken hearth (irori), steam rising from an iron kettle. In a solemn tatami room, a white porcelain teacup filled with high-quality sencha is placed quietly onto this deep, amber-colored coaster. The guest would feel the warmth of the wood and the unique, silky texture of the lacquer that had matured over time. Looking at the dignified presence of the coaster, the guest would instantly perceive the host's sincere spirit of hospitality.

However, as Japan entered the era of rapid economic growth, lifestyles became increasingly Westernized. The center of daily life shifted from tatami mats to hardwood floors, and from green tea to coffee. Ceremonal occasions moved from private homes to specialized banquet halls. These coasters, designed for entertaining groups of guests, completed their initial mission and were carefully wrapped in washi paper and placed in the storehouse. For more than half a century, they rested in silence and darkness. Ironically, the consistent humidity and temperature of the storehouse acted as a "natural aging cellar," preventing the lacquer from drying out and minimizing any warping of the wood.

The reason for bringing these coasters out of the storehouse today is the planned demolition of the old estate and the subsequent cataloging of its contents. Just before the house was to be dismantled, an appraiser rediscovered them, recognizing the overwhelming power of "hand craftsmanship" and the aesthetic of "wabi-sabi"—the beauty of imperfection and impermanence that only comes with age. These pieces possess a deep luster, as if glowing from within, where the lacquer has settled into the wood grain over decades—a quality that no brand-new product can ever replicate. This is the very essence of Japanese Mingei value.

Today, their value extends far beyond mere antique rarity. In a modern world increasingly focused on sustainability, these tools—made from natural materials and designed to be used across generations—represent the ultimate luxury. The harmony between the wild, natural grain of the Zelkova wood and the sophisticated, refined form allows them to blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors. Whether used as traditional coasters or as small serving plates for sweets, they add immense depth to any table setting. These five coasters are not just "holders for cups"; they are warm bridges connecting the meticulous lifestyle of old Japan, the pride of the craftsman, and the memory of the land to the present day.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 2.1 cm (0.83 in)
Depth: 12.1 cm (4.76 in)
Width: 12.1 cm (4.76 in)
Base: 5.1 cm (2.01 in)
Weight: 50 g (1.76 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.