Kuboさん Shirotake Chashaku Tea Scoop (白竹茶杓)
A white bamboo tea scoop, known as a Chashaku (茶杓) hand carved in the top terroir for Bamboo tea tools, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara.
Please note that each Chashaku (茶杓) is handmade; thus, every piece will have minor differences from the photo.
About this Chashaku
A tea scoop, known as a Chashaku, made in the undisputed capital of Bamboo tea tools - Takayama village, Ikoma, Nara, Japan. Each almond-sized scoop measures 0.5 grams of Matcha. This Chashaku is hand-carved by the Kubo family.
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Bamboo tea tools from Takayama village have a long history. The village has been able to protect it’s craft from spreading to other parts of Japan by maintaining strict standards of apprenticeship for the next generation.
The eldest son in the family alone holds the right to learn the craft - with the other children in the family barred from even entering the room in the family home where the workmanship is carried out. This is to ensure that as the family spreads to other villages, the secrets never leave Takayama — and so far, they haven’t.
Kuboさん’s grandfather, who trained him in Chansen-shi, told him if you can “sit one entire day, we can start learning.” No standing, no walking.
This Chashaku is hand crafted from White Bamboo (白竹茶杓) at Kuboさん’s workshop in his family home.
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Hand wash with mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Allow your ceramics to air dry (or gently dry with a soft towel.)
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Ensure your ceramic is completely dry before storing it. Avoid stacking them on top of one another to prevent cracking or chipping.
Teaware Notes
Category Bamboo Dogu |
Artisan Kuboさん |
Terrior Takayama |
Kuboさん
His family reaches back at least 7 generations… handed down from the patriarch to the eldest son.
Only the master and appetence may enter the workshop - the other children are forbidden from learning the craft.
Japanese Craftwork
We sat in his workshop — only the sound of knife blades peeling away thin folds of bamboo could be heard.
Outside, the remaining 20 families in Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan continue the legacy of Bamboo craftswork.
Visiting Takayama Village
Located in Nara, Takayama village winds with natural beauty that inspires one’s senses.
On the day I came, I recall vibrant pink flowers against an over-cast grey.
