The art of chanoyu, the Japanese tea ritual, is about simplified refinement. Each motion is calculated and executed to hold the maximum efficiency and meaning, and each instrument is held up as an example of artfulness through utility, a balance of form, and function.
As a design that has evolved over the centuries to reflect the essence of
chanoyu, this elegantly simple Matcha Scoop, or
Chashaku, is an expression of such dignity. Hand-crafted from lightweight bamboo, it is a tool that serves its purpose effortlessly and conforms to the human hand with grace and poise.
Each scoop holds 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder, perfect for one to two ounces of tea. Use this Bamboo Matcha Scoop for
chado (the Japanese “way of tea”) or for your own, personal tea ritual.
At Samovar,
Matcha Hekisui, the matcha scoop,
the
chawan (tea bowl) and the
chasen remind us of why tea, human interconnectedness and spirituality are so intrinsically intertwined in Japan and in
chado (the way of tea).
Here is how you can experience the elegant-yet-simple beauty of matcha for yourself:* Rinse your utensils and tea bowl in very hot water. Never use soap, as it will taint the flavor of your tea.
* Use the tea scoop to place two tea scoops of matcha into your tea bowl. Alternately, you can use three knife tips of matcha.
* Pour four ounces hot (below boiling) filtered water into the bowl.
*
Hold the whisk so it is partially submerged in the tea bowl’s water.
Using your wrist to move the whisk, blend the tea rapidly, making small
“W” shapes in the tea.
* As you whisk, introduce air into the mixture for a frothy, delicious brew.
*
Make sure to whisk the bottom of the bowl and run the whisk over the
sides of the bowl where it meets to water – this will help remove any
clumps from your tea.
* When the matcha is pale green, frothy and thick, it is ready to drink.
* Enjoy your tea.
*
When you are done, re-rinse your bowl and utensils in hot water
(without soap). Store your whisk in its packaging to help it keep its
shape and to prevent broken tines.
To learn, check out this video of Jesse's visit to the Urasenke Foundation school of Chado to see Matcha tea utensils in action.
