This is a ladle made from smoked bamboo.

Among bamboos, there is the vigorous and thick “Mōsō bamboo” and the slightly slender “Hachiku bamboo.”

By placing these bamboos into a high-pressure steamer or into a charcoal kiln used for making charcoal, a uniquely rich character is brought out.

At our shop, this special material is called smoked bamboo.

There are four types of smoked bamboo ladles.

First, there are two varieties: one without holes and one with holes.
Then, each comes in two sizes, small and large.

In traditional Japanese life, bamboo has long been used to make many cooking and kitchen tools,
but perhaps there has never been one so functional and uniquely designed as this.

It feels almost like a miracle that this ladle achieves both
“what only bamboo can do” and “a tool never seen before.”

The smoked bamboo has a color full of character.

Its texture is gentle to the touch, and it will not easily damage pots or dishes—another pleasing point.
It will surely become a dependable partner that makes everyday cooking more enjoyable.

Please choose your preferred type and size.

__Kazuho Shimomoto’s Bamboo Cutlery__

Mr. Kazuho Shimomoto, who runs his workshop in the mountains of Kōchi,
originally built charcoal kilns together with local people, using only earth and stone,
and made charcoal from oak and beech wood.

The beginning of his bamboo cutlery came when he hung up bamboo spoons he had carved himself
and exposed them directly to the heavy smoke from charcoal making, which gave them a unique finish.
From this experience, he went on to make bamboo cutlery smoked in the charcoal kiln in earnest.

Bamboo, which in some parts of Japan today is even regarded as a nuisance,
is cut down by Mr. Shimomoto himself in the mountains.
After applying heat treatment, he smokes it in his own charcoal kiln
and uses the deeply blackened bamboo to craft cutlery as tools for daily life.

The pieces he makes, though sharp in impression, also carry a certain calm thickness and roundness.
They are not only appealing to the eye but also gentle to the touch,
with a profound charm that is of course practical as well.

The longer they are used, the more the texture of bamboo softens and blends in.
While retaining their original “sharp yet calm” impression, they become more beloved over time,
adding a small touch of color to the daily table and to the mood of the person using them.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.