Chashaku

Chashaku means tea scoop. All temaes use one. It is common to give So level chashaku poetic names. These names should be given to the chashaku by a Chajin or a priest or monk from a famous temple. Chashaku with names have a tsutsu (bamboo tube) where the name is written with So style calligraphy, and a box to keep the tsutsu. This box will often contain the name of the chashaku and the name and title of the one giving it the name.

Chashaku 茶杓

shin – ivory, tortoise shell
shin – bamboo / no fushi; usually no Gomei
gyo – bamboo motobushi or tomebushi; usually no Gomei; old ones VERY rare
so – bamboo nakabushi- most have names;
so -lacquer, kiji- usually do not have Gomei and are not used for Koicha.

For Koicha

Koicha chashaku should have heavier, more Zen / spiritually oriented gomei; less emphasis on seasonal feeling. Must balance with usucha chashaku if one is to be used.

For Konarai level bamboo nakabushi chashaku are the ones to use.

Motobushi Chashaku

For Usucha

The chashaku used for usucha may be the same one used for koicha or another one. If it is the same one, the Host may say so and suggest there is no need to Haiken it again, but the Guests should nevertheless insist on seeing it again because it is in combination with a differrent tea container and may reveal something new. NEVER assume the chashaku is the same as used for koicha and therefore not ask to see it. If it is not the same, the Host will be unintentionally offended.

If a second chashaku is used, it must be a bit “less” than the one used for koicha, either in age, or Oiemoto generation. It may be non-bamboo (lacquer, wood, other material); it may even be made by the Host.

Chashaku

In contrast to the koicha chashaku, the gomei should be more seasonal, more light. Chashaku not of bamboo often do not have poetic names, in which case the decoration or wood type adds to the toriawase.

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