Special eddition 1KG crate from Makaibari Tea Estate
In the past tea was shipped around the world in huge wood crates. They were branded with company names and logos and covered in customs and tariff details. Small versions of the crates exist too and these days are collectors items.
When I visited Makaibari in May 2013 the director, Rajah Banerjee, was kind enough to gift me a personalized 1KG size wood crate. It was built by the Makaiibari caprenter Santey Chettri.
During my time getting to know the team at Makaibari I also made a small batch of tea in the style of the famous Silver Tips Imperial. Rajah tasted it and declared “this shall be called Michaelangelo Tips!” The team made a custom stencil and painted it on one side.
This crate is made of wood with edges reinforced with tin. The interior is lined with a thin foil type paper. The nails were very rusty, signifying their age. It stands 9 inches tall by 8.5 inches wide.