This is a tea scoop 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.

If used only for scooping tea leaves, there is no need to wash with water each time.
Simply wiping with a firmly wrung cloth is sufficient care.

If washed with water, please dry it thoroughly each time before using again.

Continued use in a damp state or washing in a dishwasher
will cause faster deterioration, so please avoid these.

This is a small spoon filled with careful consideration.

In the daily act of brewing and drinking tea,
it becomes a tool that is both practical and delightful in appearance, bringing a sense of richness.

The compatibility between tea leaves and bamboo is outstanding.
Easy to scoop, the leaves slip smoothly into the pot, and even the sound is pleasant.

Please enjoy your tea time with this tea scoop.

__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.