chashaku

Chashaku (茶杓) is a traditional Japanese tea scoop used to measure and transfer matcha, the powdered green tea, in the preparation of the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu). It is used to scoop a precise amount of powder from a canister into the tea bowl (chawan) before whisking with a bamboo whisk (chasen). The utensil is typically made from bamboo and features a slender, slightly curved form that allows for a controlled portion without crushing the powder. Some versions may be carved from other woods or finished with lacquer, but bamboo remains standard.

Etymology and design: The name chashaku combines cha (tea) with shaku, a unit or rod used for measuring. The instrument is designed as a single-piece baton, often with a gentle bend near the tip to facilitate lifting powder from the container and directing it into the bowl. Its surface is kept smooth to minimize powder adherence and ease cleaning.

History and use in ceremony: Chashaku has its roots in the introduction of tea culture from China to Japan. It became standardized in the context of the Japanese tea ceremony during the Muromachi and Momoyama periods, with influences from wabi-sabi aesthetics. In modern practice, ceremonial chashaku are crafted to balance function with form and are distinguished from more utilitarian scoops used in everyday tea preparation.

Care and storage: After use, chashaku is rinsed with water and dried promptly to prevent warping. It is stored in a protective case or within the tea set’s chaki or storage box. Proper care maintains the utensil’s smoothness and prolongs its life.