Products

2.5-Ply Gauze Towel

Shinto took the middle layer of a traditional 20-count, 3-ply cotton gauze fabric and replaced it with a half-weight weave to create the 2.5-Ply Gauze Towel. Lightweight yet substantial, each style features a wonderfully soft texture and a slight variation in dyes that creates an alluring depth of color. This fluffy towel is generously sized and features a unique "slim towel" option that works as either washcloth or accessory.

About Shinto Towel
Shinto Towel combines more than a century of knowledge and technical experience with an eye for innovation and creativity to create premium textiles that disrupt the status quo. Their towels are set apart by their superior absorbency, luxurious softness, and a trademark texture achieved through atozarashi, a post-weave refining process that removes all starch, oils, and impurities from the fibers to create an addictingly fluffy texture.

Materials: 100% organic cotton
Dimensions: 
Washcloth (S): 12.99" L x 11.81" W
Slim Towel (ST): 45.28" L x 11.81" W
Hand Towel (M): 39.37" L x 22.83" W
Bath Towel (L): 55.12" L x 34.65" W
Care: Do not pull loose threads; instead, snip them carefully with scissors. Do not use chlorine bleach. Wash with like colors, especially at first. Avoid the overuse of fabric softeners, as this may damage the fibers and reduce absorbency. Handle wet towels gently; do not pull or snap the towel lengthwise while wet. For best results, hang dry in a shady, well-ventilated area.
Osaka, Japan

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5 Elements Soy Candle

From spicy to refreshing, each scent in the 5 Elements Soy Candle collection provides a vivid illustration of its corresponding element. Every candle is made from sustainably sourced soy wax in the United States and includes a Zen poem packaged within a beautiful handcrafted box. Please note that each candle is sold separately, not as a set.

Earth: A warm mix of cedar, jasmine, and fig
Fire: A slightly spicy combination of ginger, rose, and quince
Water: A refreshing fusion of cucumber, watercress, and mint
Air: A citrusy blend of eucalyptus, yuzu (Japanese grapefruit) rind, and ginger
Sky: A simple floral aroma comprising jasmine, acacia, and fresh grass

About the Godai
As in many ancient cultures, Japanese philosophers once believed that the world was made up of a handful of unique elements: tsuchi ("earth"), hi ("fire"), mizu ("water"), kaze ("wind"), and sora ("sky," also called "heaven" or "void"). These classical elements are referred to as the godai and are common themes in Buddhist architecture.

Materials: Soy wax, essential oils
Dimensions: 3 ¾" D x 3 ½" H
Burn time: 60 hours
Made in the USA

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ABE Canvas Home Shoes

A trusty pair of slippers offer a simple way to ease into relaxation as your day draws to a close. This pair, from one of Japan’s leading room shoe producers, checks all of the boxes: good looks, dependable functionality, and comfort. Its shell is made from “No. 8” duck canvas, a material often found in sneakers due to its excellent strength, breathability, and ease of cleaning. Drawing inspiration from the traditional slippers of Morocco, its two-way “babouche” heel can be worn down like a slipper or up like a shoe when you’re on the move. Underfoot, a lightly padded suede-like sole offers subtle traction and protects floors from scuffs and scratches. Also available in a wool-lined version.

Room Shoe Sizing Tips: Room shoes are designed for maximum comfort and are very forgiving when it comes to sizing, but it is important that your foot is not larger than the footbed. To ensure a proper fit, put on the type of socks you plan to wear with your room shoes and measure the length of your foot (in centimeters) while standing. Compare this measurement with the Japanese sizing in the chart below - which is also measured in centimeters - to determine the appropriate size. If you fall between sizes, round up, and if you have particularly wide feet, consider moving up one size. For more tips, check out our Rikumo Journal post on achieving a perfect fit.

About ABE Sangyo
Room shoes are an integral part of daily life in Japan, and since the company's founding in 1919, ABE Sangyo has been dedicated to crafting the most comfortable examples in the land. In a small workshop in Kahoku, a rural town that produces more than 40% of Japan’s room shoes, ABE Sangyo's experienced craftspeople design, cut, and sew domestic materials to create room shoes that fit their philosophy of “quality first without compromising."

Materials: Upper: 100% cotton canvas, Core: EVA/urethane, Sole: Faux suede (60% nylon, 40% polyeurethane) 
Sizing: See above
Care: These room shoes feature a soft sole and are designed for indoor use only. Please do not wear them outdoors or on cement. Machine washable. Wash separately, as some color loss is possible. Use a neutral detergent and avoid chlorine bleach. After washing, shape by hand and air dry in the shade.
Kahoku, Japan

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ABE Canvas Home Shoes - Wool-Lined

A trusty pair of slippers offer a simple way to ease into relaxation as your day draws to a close. This pair, from one of Japan’s leading room shoe producers, checks all of the boxes: good looks, dependable functionality, and comfort. Its shell is made from “No. 8” duck canvas, a material often found in sneakers due to its excellent strength, breathability, and ease of cleaning. Drawing inspiration from the traditional slippers of Morocco, its two-way “babouche” heel can be worn down like a slipper or up like a shoe when you’re on the move. Underfoot, a lightly padded suede-like sole offers subtle traction and protects floors from scuffs and scratches.

This version ups the comfort level by introducing a recycled wool lining sure to keep your feet feeling toasty on the coldest of nights. Our lighter, non-lined version is available here.

Room Shoe Sizing Tips: Room shoes are designed for maximum comfort and are very forgiving when it comes to sizing, but it is important that your foot is not larger than the footbed. To ensure a proper fit, put on the type of socks you plan to wear with your room shoes and measure the length of your foot (in centimeters) while standing. Compare this measurement with the Japanese sizing in the chart below - which is also measured in centimeters - to determine the appropriate size. If you fall between sizes, round up, and if you have particularly wide feet, consider moving up one size. For more tips, check out our Rikumo Journal post on achieving a perfect fit.

About ABE Sangyo
Room shoes are an integral part of daily life in Japan, and since the company's founding in 1919, ABE Sangyo has been dedicated to crafting the most comfortable examples in the land. In a small workshop in Kahoku, a rural town that produces more than 40% of Japan’s room shoes, ABE Sangyo's experienced craftspeople design, cut, and sew domestic materials to create room shoes that fit their philosophy of “quality first without compromising."

Materials: Upper: 100% cotton, Core: EVA/urethane, Sole: Faux suede (60% nylon, 40% polyeurethane) 
Sizing: See above
Care: These room shoes feature a soft sole and are designed for indoor use only. Please do not wear them outdoors or on cement. Machine washable. Wash separately, as some color loss is possible. Use a neutral detergent and avoid chlorine bleach. After washing, shape by hand and air dry in the shade.
Kahoku, Japan

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Absolutely Translucent Face Powder

This lightweight face powder absorbs excess oils and provides a natural glow thanks to a traditional Japanese ingredient: kudzu root. This edible plant with natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is blended with a clay mineral known as kinuunmo. The combination is incredibly smooth to the touch, making it suitable for all skin types and those who don’t want to use liquid foundation. Includes a mirror for easy application.

To Use: Touch puff to powder and shake gently to remove excess. Pat puff lightly over your cheeks, then under the eye area to the temples, from the sides of your nose to over your ears, from your nostrils to the sides of your ears, and finally from the corners of your mouth to under your ears. Repeat using just the puff to whisk away any loose powder and blend it well on the skin.

About Chidoriya
As beautiful and mysterious as a rare flower, Japanese geisha were once revered for their immaculate skin and refined beauty. Inspired by their secret skincare routines, Chidoriya has been creating natural and organic skincare products since 1949. Each product is made by hand in the USA using traditional Japanese ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. Learn more about Chidoriya and their rich history in the rikumo journal.

Ingredients: Kinuunmo clay (mica), kudzu powder, pearl powder, camellia oil, coral powder, tennyokoh oil
Size: 7g 
Made in the USA 

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Acorn Brass Incense Holder

Designed to complement Elemense’s collection of transformative incense, the Acorn Brass Incense Holder is the perfect way to elevate your incense burning ritual. Made from solid machined brass, it will last for years to come and will age gracefully with continued use. Its beveled base swings freely in all directions casting scent along with it. The Acorn Brass Incense Holder can be used on either end to accommodate incense of different thicknesses.

About Elemense
Written by a Japanese monk more than 600 years ago, the "Ten Virtues of Koh" details the benefits and properties of Kōdō, the practice of incense appreciation and one of the three arts of refinement in classical Japanese culture. The Elemense collection takes its inspiration from this storied tradition with fragrances designed to cultivate inner peace and create a tranquil environment for meditation, contemplation, or prayer.

Materials: Brass
How to Use: Light the tip of the incense and blow out the flame immediately. Keep away from flammable objects.  
Tokyo, Japan

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Agave Incense Holder

The graceful elegance of Koh (the art of incense appreciation) takes the form of an agave plant in the desert in this beautiful brass burner from Tennen. Designed with beauty and functionality in mind, this multipurpose burner is designed to fit all types of incense, including cones, sticks, and spirals.

Please note: While this incense holder is designed to accommodate many types of incense, there is a chance that sticks from certain brands may not fit the opening. For best results, use a Tennen brand incense.

About Tennen
Founded in 2001 by Ethan Wessel and Sarah Swartz Wessel, Tennen is a multidisciplinary architectural firm based in Phoenix, USA. After becoming dissatisfied with the lack of beautiful, functional incense burners, they created their own, designed to keep the nub of the incense stick from sticking to the holder after burning. From buildings to aromas, their design projects pursue aesthetic simplicity inspired by the culture and design sensibilities of Japan - honesty of materials, minimalism, and the changing seasons.

Materials: Brass
Dimensions: Height: 0.7" Diameter: 1.25"
Care: Use a soft cloth with a liquid brass cleaner as needed. For blackened brass,  use soft cloth and paste wax polish as needed. With time and use, your incense burner will develop a beautiful patina. Note: Avoid touching the burner while incense is burning, as the cover may grow hot during and for a short period after.
Arizona, USA

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Akashiya ThinLine Brush Pen Set

This cult-favorite brush pen has become a favorite tool of professional illustrators and stationery aficionados since its introduction in 2009. With a superfine tip inspired by elegant makeup brushes, the Akashiya ThinLine Brush Pen is designed for intricate work. Perfect for calligraphy, drawing, or sketching, each pen is handmade by brush artisans and makes writing feel like painting a watercolor with words. Winner of the 2009 Design Merit Award.

This five-pen set includes a spectrum of woodland shades based on the colors traditionally used in Japanese ink drawings:

Sumiiro (Ink black)
Seiboku (Dark blue)
Mizuasagi (Pale blue)
Chitosemidori (Dark green)
Hiwadairo (Dusky red)

About Akashiya
Akashiya was founded in 1624 in Nara, Japan, the birthplace of calligraphy. Its craftsmen have continued the tradition, creating peerless brushes famous among artists and stationery collectors. Strand by strand, each brush is constructed by specialized artisans from flexible fibers perfect for drawing and writing.

Materials: Water-based ink, plastic
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Chiba, Japan

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Akiyama Matcha Bowl

As tea-making has become an art form over the centuries, so have matcha bowls themselves become works of art. The organic, undulating shape of traditional matcha bowls is designed to create the smooth, frothy consistency beloved by tea enthusiasts. Because of its essential role in the Japanese tea ceremony, a tea bowl is traditionally considered one of the most graceful and treasured items in your home. A jade-green crackled glaze coats the smooth surface of this piece, pooling in the bottom like the final sip of matcha.

How to Use: To prepare matcha, pour boiling water into the tea bowl and allow to cool slightly. Add ceremonial-grade matcha using a bamboo ladle. Using a chasen (bamboo whisk), whisk vigorously in an "M" shape until the matcha reaches a creamy froth. Sip directly from the bowl. For best results, use ceremonial-grade matcha, a bamboo ladle, and an 80- or 100-tip chasen.

Materials: Clay, food-safe glaze
Dimensions: 5.3" D x 3.1" H
Care: Owning a matcha bowl requires thoughtful handling and care. Because of their handmade quality, these bowls are not suitable for the microwave or dishwasher and should be rinsed and thoroughly dried immediately after use. Be careful to avoid rapid changes in temperature as it may encourage glaze cracking.
Shika, Japan

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Albata Sugar Spoon

This beautiful sugar spoon bends at a slight curve to sweeten a cup of coffee or tea. Made from hand-hammered brass and albata, this spoon is sure to age gracefully into a rich patina with wear.

Sold individually.

About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa,  which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.

Materials: albata, brass
Dimensions: Length: 4.9"            
Care: Polish with an acidic substance.
Kanazawa, Japan

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Albata Tea Spoon

A charming little spoon for stirring your tea or coffee. Hand-hammered from brass and albata, this little treasure ages gracefully into a rich patina with wear.

Sold individually.

About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa,  which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.

Materials: albata, brass
Dimensions: Length: 5¼" Diameter: ¾"              
Care: Polish with an acidic substance. 
Kanazawa, Japan

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Albata Tiramisu Spoon

When you finally reach the dessert course, this charming spoon stands at the ready to carry every last scoop home. Hand-hammered from brass and albata that ages gracefully into a rich patina with wear.

Sold individually.

About Miho Nishikawa
Miho Nishikawa is an award-winning metalworks artist who works with silver, brass and albata to create beautifully detailed but rustic accessories. Nishikawa is trained and currently works in Kanazawa, which is an UNESCO-appointed city of Crafts and Folk Art in Japan for its tradition of metalwork artistry.

Materials: Albata（Copper+Zinc+ Nickle), Brass  
Dimensions: Length: 4.9"
Care: Polish with an acidic substance.
Kanazawa, Japan

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Albert Finnegan Black Bear Greeting Card

5 x 7", blank inside

ON THE BACK OF THE CARD:

Albert Finnegan always appreciated a good tea party and hosted them often. But he got to thinking, “Why serve dainty finger sandwiches and delicate petit fours when I have all of these blueberries from up the hillside? I'll serve nice BIG pieces of pie. A-n-n-n-d I'll serve them on dinner plates, even if it is only mid-afternoon!” So he did.

Albert's tea parties were always a great success due, in part, to his generous portion sizes. But it was his charming personality and make-you-weak-at-the-knees recipes that had everyone coveting an invitation. So, after much encouragement from the neighbourhood, Albert and his love, Eleanor, opened their waterside patisserie, Portage. Dawn 'til dusk, they are serving up all sorts of sweet treats. Swim, slither, walk, or fly to Portage; eat on the patio or take away. But get all you can while you can because, come the first sign of snow, the culinary couple will be packing it in for the winter

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Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors

Lightweight and sharp, the Allex Matte Black Stainless Steel Scissors are designed to cut through reams of paper, plastic, and even sticky surfaces like duct tape. Its blades are coated with Teflon for optimal wear resistance, while its grips are cushioned with soft rubber rings for maximum comfort. With its sleek matte black finish, this office essential will look as good sitting on your desk as it does tackling your toughest projects.

About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.

Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 5 ½" L
Gifu, Japan

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Allex Stainless Steel Letter Opener

This award-winning letter opener from Japanese company Allex has been in production since 1975 and will look quite familiar to fans of the company's stainless steel scissors. Its handle and blade are cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making it extremely durable, and the inside of the handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use.

About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.

Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan

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Allex Stainless Steel Scissors

These award-winning office scissors from Japanese company Allex have been in production for decades, and for good reason. Their handles and blades are each cut from a single sheet of stainless steel, making them extremely durable, and the inside of each handle is lined with a rubber ring for maximum comfort and ease of use.

About Allex Scissors
Allex Stainless Steel Scissors were first introduced to the world in 1974 and immediately won the Japanese Good Design Award for their ergonomic shape and outstanding blade quality. Since that day, their classic design has remained unchanged and is now a familiar sight in offices all over Japan.

Materials: Stainless steel, rubber
Dimensions: 6 ½" L
Gifu, Japan

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Animal Towel

Cats, owls, and peacocks dance, jump, and frolic in this ultra-soft terry style. This collection features a menagerie of little critters presented in alternating opposite colors on both the front and back of the towel. Both the hand towel and bath towel feature a handy loop for easy hanging. Exquisitely textured and playfully designed, the Animal Towel is perfect for little ones or budding zoologists.

Comes in six varieties: Elephant, Lion, Zebra, Owl, Bear, and Cat. Some varieties only available in certain sizes.

About Yoshii
Yoshii towels are constructed in the traditionally slim and compact Japanese style and are known for their unrivaled softness and fresh stylings. Each towel is woven in Imabari from hand-picked, twisted-ring Shankar 6 cotton threads, which are massaged down, puffed, and combed twice for ultimate softness. Their exciting designs and low-chemical manufacturing process make these lightweight towels visually striking, highly absorbent, and fast-drying - in other words, perfect for daily use.

Learn more about Japanese towels in the rikumo journal.

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Ara Earrings

The Ara Earring from artist Shima Hotta features a slightly concave and rounded triangle shape with a textured finish. The backs are unfinished brass and included the Shima logo.

About Shima Jewelry
Nagano-based artist Shima Hotta began her career in the late '80s studying pottery in Seattle and California. It was during this time that she developed an appreciation for the beauty of handmade goods. After returning to Japan, she continued her ceramic work, eventually exploring new materials and becoming fascinated with the interaction between fire and metal. Today, she combines both disciplines to create esoteric jewelry with organic finishes under the Shima label.

Materials: Silver over brass, titanium post
Dimensions: .88” H x .5” W
Care: Polish with silver cloth when needed.
Nagano, Japan

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Architecture Series Incense, 50 Long Sticks

Traditionally used for court ceremonies and meditation, incense is an integral part of Japanese identity. The “Silence” fragrance in the Architecture Series is at once warm, sweet, and seductive, and the 5.25” sticks burn for approximately 25 minutes.

About Tennen
Founded in 2001 by Ethan Wessel and Sarah Swartz Wessel, Tennen is a multidisciplinary architectural firm based in Phoenix, USA. Their Sonoran Desert incense collection is part of a collaboration with Kyoto incense makers and was influenced by the constant and soothing presence of Japanese incense around the Tennen Studio offices. From buildings to aromas, Tennen’s design projects pursue aesthetic simplicity inspired by the culture and design sensibilities of Japan - honesty of materials, minimalism, and the changing seasons.

Contains: 50 sticks.
Burning Time: Approximately 25 minutes.
How to Use:  Light the tip of the incense and blow out the flame immediately. Keep away from flammable objects.  
Kyoto, Japan

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Bagworks Bicycleman Bag

As though the name wasn't enough of a clue, one glance at the Bicycleman Bag from Bagworks makes clear its purpose: serving as a handy traveling companion as you cruise around town. Of course, its usefulness isn't limited to two-wheeled travel; the Bicycleman Bag's water-resistant nylon construction and comfy cotton strap make it a great everyday accessory, no matter your mode of transportation.

About Bagworks Co.
Since its founding almost 70 years ago, Bagworks Co. has earned a name for itself as a maker of specialized bags, all of which stem from a straightforward desire to create "bags for work." The company's emphasis on utility, durability, and adherence to the strictest international standards is undoubtedly why their products are relied on by people across Japan, from engineers to boy scouts. And yet, in spite of their success, Bagworks continues to strive for a surprisingly humble goal: to become "the most decent bag shop in the world."

Materials: Water-resistant nylon, cotton strap, magnetic clasp
Dimensions: 10.6" W x 7.1" H x 2.35" D
Care: Remove dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth that has been thoroughly wrung out.
Toyooka, Japan

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Bagworks Toolman Bag

Despite its utilitarian name, the Toolman Bag from Bagworks is more than just a home for blue-collar implements; it's a chic, practical accessory for all walks of life, one that sports a clean, angular design and long-lasting construction. Each bag is made from 15 oz Army Duck canvas - a durable material formed from tightly woven cotton threads and processed with paraffin for superior water resistance. Somehow, though, this spacious bag remains both soft and pliable, offering a level of comfort and versatility typically reserved for fine leather wares.

About Bagworks Co.
Since its founding almost 70 years ago, Bagworks Co. has earned a name for itself as a maker of specialized bags, all of which stem from a straightforward desire to create "bags for work." The company's emphasis on utility, durability, and adherence to the strictest international standards is undoubtedly why their products are relied on by people across Japan, from engineers to boy scouts. And yet, in spite of their success, Bagworks continues to strive for a surprisingly humble goal: to become "the most decent bag shop in the world."

Materials: 15 oz Army Duck canvas (paraffin-processed), magnetic clasp
Dimensions: 19.7" W x 6.5" H x 3.95" D
Care: Remove dirt with a soft brush or a damp cloth that has been thoroughly wrung out. Color may fade somewhat if exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
Toyooka, Japan

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Bamboo Matcha Scoop

Also known as a chashaku, the Bamboo Matcha Scoop is used to scoop out desired portions of powdered matcha.  Along with a bamboo matcha whisk and ceramic matcha bowl, this bamboo scoop is traditionally used in the tea ceremony to prepare a delicious cup of restorative matcha. It is made from one strip of bamboo and designed with a rounded tip to easily adjust and measure the desired amount of powdered tea for preparation. Whether you drink matcha every day or enjoy it on special occasions, this traditional scoop is an essential for tea masters and budding enthusiasts alike.

Materials: Bamboo
Dimensions:  Length: 7¼" Width: ½"
Care: Hand-wash gently with no soaps or detergents, and dry immediately. Store in a dry, cool place.
Nara, Japan

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Bamboo Matcha Whisk, Masuho

The bamboo matcha whisk, also known as chasen, is traditionally used to prepare matcha tea in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is made by taking a piece of Henon bamboo and splitting its upper base by hand into extra-fine rods. Those rods are then shaved into thin tines that produce the frothy consistency matcha. The unsplit part of the bamboo forms the whisk handle, a reminder of the past life of this artful tool. Every part of the making process is done by hand with careful precision and focus. The thoughtful nature of its craftsmanship ensures the highest quality drinking matcha, making the chasen an essential utensil for tea connoisseurs and budding masters alike.  

The Masuho Matcha Whisk has a curved bell shape that is ideal for preparing both usucha (light, or “thin” matcha) and koicha (strong, or “thick” matcha that is shared between several guests). Crafted by hand, the Masuho Matcha Whisk is designed for use by the Urasenke tea school.  

Materials: Bamboo
Dimensions: Length: 5", Width: 2 1/2"
Care: Hand-wash only with no soap or detergents, and dry immediately after each use. When making matcha, be careful not to use too much force and scrape the bottom of the cup  with the tips- because this will cause them to bend or break. Since bamboo is a natural material, minor fraying of strands may occur over time- prolong the lifespan of its tines by storing it on a ceramic whisk stand.
Nara, Japan

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Bamboo Matcha Whisk, Suho