OKE-EI Natural Wood Bottle Cooler

A Handcrafted Legacy from Tokyo – Edo-Style Bottle Coolers by OKE-EI

“I believe I may be the only one still crafting Edo-style Yui-oke buckets in Tokyo.”

So says Eifu Kawamata, fourth-generation artisan of OKE-EI, a workshop based in Fukagawa, Tokyo, dedicated to preserving a 700-year-old Japanese cooperage tradition.

The Yui-oke technique, established in Japan centuries ago, involves tightly binding slender wooden staves with hoops—without using any nails or paint. The surface is polished to reveal the natural grain and luster of the wood, radiating a quiet, organic beauty that mass-produced items cannot replicate.

Each bucket is made exclusively from Japanese Sawara cypress trees, aged over 300 years and sourced from the Kiso region. These premium woods are chosen for their straight grain, resistance to warping, smooth texture, lightweight feel, and natural antimicrobial and moisture-resistant properties.

A Wine Cooler Born from Japanese Tradition

In the 1990s, when wine began gaining popularity in Japanese homes, OKE-EI received a special request: to create a wooden wine cooler using traditional Yui-oke methods. The result was a stunning vessel that brings out the best of Japanese woodcraft—superior heat and cold insulation, timeless design, and a gentle aroma of fresh wood.

Sized perfectly for a standard wine bottle or a 720ml sake bottle, this elegant cooler showcases the natural grain of unfinished wood. It has remained a best-selling classic for over 30 years, celebrated for both its functionality and aesthetic beauty.

The Art of Craftsmanship

Creating a single Yui-oke involves over 80 precise steps and takes a minimum of two years to complete. It takes over a decade to master each stage of the process—an extraordinary testament to the depth of Japanese craftsmanship.

Every cooler from OKE-EI is more than just a wooden container—it is a lifetime piece infused with tradition, skill, and quiet elegance. Perfect for those who value authenticity, natural materials, and the spirit of timeless Japanese design.

○Specifications

• Size: width 18 × depth 18 × height 21 cm / 7.1” × 7.1” × 8.3” 
• Material: Japanese Sawara cypress and nickel silver*

           *nickel silver: an alloy of copper, nickel, and zinc.

○Shipping

Shipping within two weeks. Shipping fee is included in the product price.

○How to use

Before putting cooked rice into the container, rinse the inside with water or lukewarm water. This helps keep it cleaner. Let the steam settle before putting the lid on. We recommend eating the rice within about 24 hours.

○Care Instructions

• After washing, let it air dry in a shaded area.
• Do not soak in water for long periods.
  
• Not microwave-safe.
  
• Safe to use with cloths and sponges.
  
• Mild dish soap is okay to use.