150 Years of Craftsmanship Captured in ERG Media’s 'KAIKADO' Book
An intimate exploration of the legacy behind Kyoto’s iconic tea caddy artisans.
In honor of Kaikado’s 150th anniversary, ERG Media has unveiled a new book chronicling the legacy of the iconic Kyoto-based tea caddy maker. Titled Kaikado, the publication offers a rare glimpse into the atelier’s meticulous craftsmanship, passed down through six generations.
The 290-page hardcover book is a bilingual exploration of Kaikado’s heritage, told through original photography and the voices of the artisans themselves. Presented in both English and Japanese, Kaikado invites readers into the brand’s Kyoto workshop, spotlighting the tools, techniques and timeless philosophy behind the world’s most revered chazutsu (tea caddies).
Designed with the same reverence for material and detail that defines Kaikado’s work, the book is printed on two premium paper stocks and features metallic inks to echo the copper, brass and tin used in Kaikado’s signature pieces. Each copy is shipped with one of three surprise cover variants representing these metals, while tactile chapter dividers and open-spine binding nod to traditional Japanese bookmaking.
More than 200 illustrations document the evolution of Kaikado’s understated yet refined design language — described as “refined to the point of almost being plain” — blending historical insight with a look toward the future.
Designed and published by ERG Media, Kaikado weighs 1.4kg and measures 22 x 29cm. The book officially ships on April 9 and can be ordered now via ERG’s official site for $117 USD — with one of the three metal-inspired covers randomly assigned at checkout.
