This tea box was handcrafted in my personal shop using two exceptional pieces of wood I’ve been saving for decades. The body is made from a 30-year-old slab of Hawaiian Koa—rich, warm, and full of character. The interior features curly maple that’s been in my “good wood” pile for over 25 years, chosen for its striking figure and light contrast against the Koa.

I used Brusso stop hinges (here)—some of the finest hardware available—to ensure smooth, precise movement and lasting durability.

The real highlight of this piece is the curly maple interior. The bottom is lined with a hand-planed sheet of curly maple, and the dividers and side panels were all cut from the same board for a consistent grain and tone. I left the maple unfinished to preserve its natural texture—it’s silky to the touch and invites interaction.