According to A.L. Sadler, author of 'Cha-no-yu', chaire were originally used in China in the Song period as bottles for oil or medicine, and were imported into Japan for use as tea caddies up to the end of the Ashikaga or start of the Tokugawa era.
Chaire can be divided into two broad types: karamono and wamono (sometimes referred to as kuniyakimono). Karamono are chaire that originated in or are made to resemble those created in China, while wamono are those that originated in Japan. These can be further subdivided by kiln or potter as well as shape.
This karamono chaire is classified as 'Taikai' (the "big ocean") which is quite large in diameter and has a wide mouth, in comparison to its height. A smaller sub-type of this shape is known as naikai or uchiumi.

The term chaire generally refers to a relatively small ceramic jar with a lid. The lid is traditionally made from elephant ivory with a gold leafed underside.

The term Shifuku refers to the decorative bag that the ceramic Chaire is stored in.

"The most important pottery of the Cha-no-yu is first the Cha-ire and then the Chawan. It is said that among the Samurai the most precious possessions were first Tea-caddies, second Writings, and third Swords. For this was the order in which they were presented by the Shogun to one he desired to honor." -- A.L. Sadler.

Approx. value: $320.00