Myokian Temple Chashaku 'Oimatsu' by Takeda Shien – Zen Tea Scoop with Signed Box

Experience Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony with this Zen Master Chashaku. This Bamboo Tea Scoop serves as a Myokian Temple Art and Japanese Tea Utensil, featuring Wabi Sabi Aesthetic and Matcha Scoop craftsmanship—a must-have for any Tea Ceremony Collector seeking a unique Zen Gift from Kyoto.

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🔹 [ PRODUCT DETAILS ]

• **Artist**: Takeda Shien (武田士延) – Zen priest of Myokian Temple
• **Technique**: Hand-carved from Sodesuri-matsu pine bamboo at Myokian
• **Era**: Late 20th Century (Heisei period)
• **Origin**: Myokian Temple, Kyoto, Japan
• **Poetic Name (Mei)**: 'Oimatsu' (老松) – Old Pine
• **Dimensions**: Length approx. 18 cm (standard chashaku size)
• **Materials**: Natural bamboo (white bamboo with subtle grain)
• **Box**: Tomobako (signed wooden box) with artist's inscription
• **Includes**: Bamboo storage tube (Tsutsu) with mei inscription
• **Condition**: Excellent – appears unused, no cracks or chips

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🔹 [ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]

This exceptional tea scoop was hand-carved by Takeda Shien, a revered Zen priest at Myokian Temple (妙喜庵) in Kyoto. The temple is legendary as the home of Taian, Japan's oldest surviving tea room designed by the great tea master Sen no Rikyu himself.

The box inscription reads "妙喜庵袖摺松にて" (From the Sodesuri-matsu at Myokian), indicating that this chashaku was carved from bamboo grown at the temple's famous "Sleeve-brushing Pine" garden. This provenance connects the piece directly to Rikyu's aesthetic legacy.

🔹 [ WHY CHOOSE THIS CHASHAKU? ]

The poetic name 'Oimatsu' (Old Pine) evokes longevity, steadfastness, and the enduring beauty of age—themes central to Japanese tea philosophy. In tea ceremony, the pine symbolizes unwavering spirit through winter's cold, a metaphor for the practitioner's dedication.

🔹 [ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]

Myokian Temple holds extraordinary importance in tea history. Built in 1582, it houses the Taian tea room—a National Treasure and the only remaining tea room confirmed to be designed by Sen no Rikyu. A chashaku from this sacred ground carries the spiritual weight of 400 years of tea tradition.

🔹 [ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]

Complete with tomobako (signed box) bearing Takeda Shien's calligraphy and kao (personal seal). The bamboo tube is also inscribed with the mei 'Oimatsu' and the artist's signature, providing full documentation of authenticity.

🔹 [ SUGGESTED USES ]

• Authentic thin tea (Usucha) or thick tea (Koicha) service
• Displayed as a collector's piece in a tokonoma alcove
• Perfect gift for tea practitioners, Zen enthusiasts, or Japanese art collectors
• Ideal for 60th birthday (Kanreki) or retirement celebrations

🔹 [ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]

**Q: Is this chashaku food-safe?**
A: Yes, natural bamboo has been used in Japanese tea ceremony for centuries and is completely safe for contact with matcha.

**Q: How should I care for this piece?**
A: After use, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Store in the bamboo tube and wooden box in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

**Q: What makes this chashaku special?**
A: Its provenance from Myokian Temple—home of Sen no Rikyu's Taian tea room—makes it an exceptionally meaningful piece for serious practitioners.

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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 authentic Japanese tea ceremony utensils, Zen priest chashaku, and temple art.
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*Where the old pine stands silent in snow, the tea master's hand finds its truest form.*