Todaiji Temple Chashaku Hoju by Sakamoto Kyokusai - Tea Scoop with Provenance

A distinguished Japanese bamboo tea scoop (chashaku) named Hoju, meaning Treasure Tree, carved from ancient Todaiji temple wood by master craftsman Sakamoto Kyokusai. This temple art tea scoop bears calligraphy by the 220th Betto (Head Abbot) of Todaiji, Kitagawara Koukei Daisojo. A rare bamboo tea utensil with full provenance documentation. Ships with tracking from Japan.

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[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
• Artist: Sakamoto Kyokusai (Carver) / Kitagawara Koukei Daisojo (Calligraphy)
• Origin: Nara, Japan (Todaiji Temple)
• Type: Tea Scoop (Chashaku / 茶杓)
• Mei (Name): Hoju (宝樹) – Treasure Tree / Jewel Tree
• Dimensions: Approx. 18 cm length (7.1”)
• Materials: Bamboo (sourced from Todaiji temple grounds)
• Packaging: Signed tomobako (wooden box), bamboo tsutsu, provenance document (ryakureki)
• Condition: Excellent – Clean pale bamboo, no damage.
• Style: Nara Buddhist Art / Traditional Japanese

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[ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]
Sakamoto Kyokusai is a Nara-based bamboo craftsman who graduated from Musashino Art University and has dedicated his career to creating tea utensils from materials connected to Japan's great temples. His exhibition history spans Todaiji, Ise Jingu, Shimane shrines, and major museums across Japan. The included provenance document (ryakureki) details his full career chronology.

The name Hoju – Treasure Tree – is a Buddhist concept referring to a wish-fulfilling tree that bears jewels instead of fruit. The 220th Betto of Todaiji, Kitagawara Koukei Daisojo, inscribed this name with his personal kao seal, connecting this humble tea scoop to one of Japan's most important Buddhist institutions.

[ WHY CHOOSE THIS CHASHAKU? ]
Todaiji is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and has stood for over 1,250 years as one of Japan's supreme cultural treasures. A tea scoop bearing the calligraphy of its Head Abbot, made by a craftsman with decades of temple-related work, offers an extraordinary connection to living Buddhist heritage. The full provenance documentation elevates this beyond a simple utensil.

[ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]
The Kegon school of Buddhism, headquartered at Todaiji, emphasizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena. The name Hoju reflects this philosophy – a tree that gives freely, a reminder that true treasure lies in generosity and cultivation. Using this chashaku in tea ceremony creates a direct link to Nara's 8th-century spiritual tradition.

[ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]
Includes: signed tomobako with Kitagawara Koukei Daisojo's calligraphy and kao, bamboo tsutsu inscribed "Hoju," and a detailed provenance document listing Sakamoto Kyokusai's exhibition history at Todaiji, Ise Jingu, Nara museums, and more.

[ SUGGESTED USES ]
Ideal for formal tea gatherings or as a collector's centerpiece. Perfect gift for Buddhist art enthusiasts, tea ceremony practitioners, or anyone with a connection to Nara and Todaiji.

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]
Q: Is the provenance document included?
A: Yes, a detailed ryakureki (career chronology) of Sakamoto Kyokusai is included.

Q: Can I use this chashaku for daily matcha?
A: Yes, this is a fully functional tea scoop. Wipe with a dry cloth after use.

Q: What is the significance of the Betto's calligraphy?
A: The Betto is the Head Abbot of Todaiji, the highest religious authority at one of Japan's most important temples. His inscription adds significant cultural and spiritual value.

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