Daitokuji Kotoin Chashaku 'Matsu no Midori' by Ueda Gizan – Bamboo Tea Scoop with Box

Experience Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony with this Daitokuji Temple Chashaku. This Bamboo Tea Scoop serves as a Zen Priest Artwork and Kyoto Tea Utensil, featuring Wabi Sabi Aesthetic and Matcha Scoop craftsmanship—a must-have for any Tea Ceremony Collector seeking an exceptional Zen Gift from Japan.

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🔹 [ PRODUCT DETAILS ]

• **Artist**: Ueda Gizan (上田義山) – Zen priest of Daitokuji Kotoin
• **Carver (Shitakezuri)**: Chikugen (竹玄)
• **Technique**: Traditional hand-carving with master finishing
• **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei period)
• **Origin**: Daitokuji Kotoin Sub-temple, Kyoto, Japan
• **Poetic Name (Mei)**: 'Matsu no Midori' (松の緑) – Green of the Pine
• **Dimensions**: Length approx. 18 cm (standard chashaku size)
• **Materials**: Natural bamboo (warm honey tone)
• **Box**: Tomobako (signed wooden box) with yellow silk cord
• **Includes**: Bamboo storage tube (Tsutsu) with mei inscription
• **Condition**: Excellent (Bijin/美品) – pristine, appears unused

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🔹 [ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]

This refined tea scoop bears the inscription of Ueda Gizan, a distinguished Zen priest at Kotoin (高桐院), one of the most celebrated sub-temples within Daitokuji's vast complex. The professional carving work (shitakezuri) was executed by Chikugen, a respected bamboo craftsman whose collaboration with temple priests produces pieces of exceptional quality.

The warm, honey-toned bamboo exhibits a gentle luster that speaks to careful selection and masterful finishing. The graceful curve of the scoop bowl and the subtle taper of the handle demonstrate the harmonious balance prized in tea utensils.

🔹 [ WHY CHOOSE THIS CHASHAKU? ]

The poetic name 'Matsu no Midori' (Green of the Pine) celebrates the evergreen vitality of the pine tree—a symbol of constancy and eternal youth in Japanese culture. This mei is particularly auspicious for New Year celebrations and spring gatherings.

🔹 [ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]

Kotoin temple, founded in 1601 by the warrior-tea master Hosokawa Tadaoki, is renowned for its serene moss garden and intimate connection to tea culture. The temple's autumn maple viewing and tea gatherings attract practitioners from around the world. A chashaku inscribed by a Kotoin priest carries this rich cultural heritage.

🔹 [ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]

Complete with tomobako bearing Ueda Gizan's calligraphy "銘 松の緑 義山" and his kao seal. The bamboo tube also features the mei inscription and Chikugen's seal (竹玄), confirming both the spiritual attribution and the craftsman's work.

🔹 [ SUGGESTED USES ]

• Elegant thin tea (Usucha) service for special occasions
• New Year's first tea ceremony (Hatsugama)
• Display piece in tokonoma or collector's cabinet
• Perfect gift for tea lovers, art collectors, or Zen practitioners

🔹 [ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]

**Q: What does "shitakezuri" mean?**
A: Shitakezuri (下削り) refers to the physical carving of the chashaku, often done by a professional bamboo craftsman. The Zen priest then inscribes the mei and provides spiritual significance.

**Q: How should I store this chashaku?**
A: Always store in the bamboo tube, then in the tomobako. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.

**Q: Is this suitable for daily practice?**
A: While fully functional, pieces of this caliber are often reserved for special occasions or displayed as art.

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🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ]
• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials

🔹 [ EXPLORE MORE ]

Discover our full collection of Daitokuji temple art, Zen master chashaku, and authentic Japanese tea ceremony utensils.
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*Even in winter's depth, the pine holds its green—a quiet testament to unwavering spirit.*