Bark-Design Chashaku Tea Scoop

This is a chashaku tea scoop from Yatsuyanagi. A chashaku is a spoon-shaped tea utensil used in the tea ceremony to scoop matcha tea powder into a matcha bowl. It is one of the most important tea utensils, as it is said to reflect the values and personality of the tea ceremony practitioner.

The exterior is wrapped in cherry bark, while the interior is crafted from bamboo, giving the scoop both a refined aesthetic and a sturdy, lightweight feel. The simple, unadorned design allows you to appreciate the beauty of the cherry bark work itself.

The cherry trees used for Akita cherry bark work are mainly wild cherry trees from the Tohoku region, which grow in a harsh climate and are known for their beauty and durability. The cherry bark is carefully peeled from the trunk and left to dry in the shade for one to two years to remove moisture. Yatsuyanagi is committed to sustainable practices and the coexistence of nature and traditional crafts, and is actively involved in planting wild cherry trees on fallow land.

Yatsuyanagi

Founded in 1876, Yatsuyanagi continues to preserve the rare art of the traditional cherry bark craft known as kabazaiku. Located in Japan's picturesque Kakunodate region, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, their master artisans blend centuries-old techniques with modern design, meticulously handcrafting each piece to create products that are both functional and beautiful.

From this collection of fine cherry bark crafts, experience the perfect harmony of Japanese tradition and contemporary elegance in your everyday life.

Kabazaiku Cherry Bark Work

Kabazaiku is a craft made in Akita Prefecture, in northern Japan, from the bark of yamazakura, or “Japanese mountain cherry.” The captivating silk or metal-like luster unique to cherry tree bark, combined with its deep color, is used to create pieces of unparalleled beauty. This traditional Japanese craft has a history spanning about 250 years.