Red Cypress Wine Cooler

This wine cooler is made of beautiful, straight-grained untreated Japanese Sawara, a coniferous tree belonging to the cypress family. The slates are tightly joined with bamboo hoops, in a traditional method that is both visually pleasing, and speaks to the craftsmanship behind the piece. The simple, stripped-down form and sturdy construction that does not allow for distortion or curling. Note the part that is slightly raised, and the base is signed by the craftsman's using a pig iron to burn a seal into the wood.

Fill it with ice and water, and the naturally moisture resistant wood will keep a wine bottle cool, without causing condensation as many metal wine coolers do, and is something to enjoy during dinner on a warm summer night.

Back in the day, wooden buckets and barrels made with red cypress were commonly used in Japanese dining and cooking for soaking fruit and vegetables such as cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes, or even tofu and noodles. The water helped keep food cool, while the soft scent of red cypress gave the feeling of freshness on a hot summers day. Although plastic bowls have replaced these wooden vessels, the feel and smell of the wood brings a form of nostalgia to many people.

Measurements: H: 10.5" D: 7.5"

Care Instructions: With repeated use, the texture of the wood will soften making it a pleasing tool to use every day. After each use, wash thoroughly with lukewarm water, avoid direct sunlight, and dry in a well-ventilated place.