150 Years of Craftsmanship Captured in ERG Media’s ‘KAIKADO’ Book

To celebrate Kaikado’s 150th anniversary, ERG Media has revealed a fresh book detailing the enduring legacy of the esteemed Kyoto-based tea caddy manufacturer. Named “Kaikado“, this publication provides a seldom-seen peek into the intricate craftsmanship that has been carefully preserved by six generations within their workshop.

This 290-page hardcover book is a dual-language journey into Kaikado’s heritage, narrated via original photographs and the personal accounts of the artisans. Available in both English and Japanese, Kaikado offers readers an exclusive peek into its Kyoto workshop. It highlights the tools, methods, and enduring philosophy that make Kaikado’s chazutsu (tea caddies) some of the most respected worldwide.

The book shares the same respect for quality and detail as Kaikado’s creations, much like their copper, brass, and tin items. It is printed on two high-quality paper types and incorporates metallic inks. To reflect these materials, it comes with one of three unexpected cover designs representing the metals. Furthermore, it has tactile chapter dividers and an open-spine binding that pays homage to traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques.

Over 200 images chronicle the development of Kaikado’s subtle yet elegant design aesthetic, which has been characterized as “almost minimalistic,” by seamlessly integrating historical influences with forward-thinking perspectives.

Published by ERG Media, the “Kaikado” book has a weight of approximately 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg) and dimensions of 22 x 29 centimeters.

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