Japanese tea and incense tools are crafted from natural materials – hand-thrown clay, delicate bamboo, and aged wood finished with natural urushi lacquer. With mindful daily care, these traditional instruments do not merely last – they age gracefully, developing a unique patina that reflects your personal ritual over time.
Ceramic & Pottery Care
Traditional Japanese ceramic – including Chawan, Yuzamashi, Yunomi, Kyusu pot – feature natural glazes and porous clay bodies that require gentle, conscious handling.
Hand wash gently with warm water only — no soap or harsh cleaners, which can dull the glaze and, on unglazed ceramics be absorbed into the clay and linger in the taste of your tea. Avoid sudden temperature changes, and don't let the bowl soak for long.
Most important: dry it completely, inside and out, before storing, so no moisture is trapped to cause mustiness.
Explore our hand-thrown ceramics for matcha in the Matcha Bowls & Tools Collection.
Chasen (Bamboo Whisk)
The whisk is a delicate tool, and a few small habits make it last much longer.
Before its very first use, soak the tip in lukewarm water; do the same briefly before every use, as warm (never boiling) water softens the fine prongs so they flex instead of snapping.
During use, whisk gently, without harsh scraping against the bowl.
Afterwards, rinse by whisking in a bowl of clean water, reshape the tines with your fingers, and let it air-dry prong-side up in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sun – ideally on a whisk holder. Never store it damp or sealed in a container. With time the bamboo will naturally lighten and soften; that's the mark of a well-used whisk, not a fault.
Explore our purple bamboo Chasen.
Chashaku & Other Bamboo Tools
Simply wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid washing bamboo with water, which can cause it to warp, crack, or discolour. Keep these pieces dry and they'll serve you for a long time.
Natsume (Tea Caddy)
A natsume is usually finished in lacquer, which is delicate. Wipe it clean with a soft, dry cloth; where more is needed, use a barely-damp cloth with lukewarm water, never soap or scrubbing. Keep it away from the microwave, oven, refrigerator, and direct sunlight — heat, cold, and prolonged moisture can crack or fade the lacquer over time.
Explore our laquered Natsume Tea Caddy in Black or Silver.
Incense Holders
Once any ash has fully cooled, gently remove it, then wipe the holder with a soft, damp cloth and leave it to dry completely before the next use.
Explore our incense holder collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash a matcha whisk (chasen)?
Only with water — rinse it by whisking in clean water and let it air-dry prong-up. Never use soap, and never leave it soaking or stored wet.
How do you store a chasen so it lasts?
Fully dry, prong-side up, in an airy spot out of direct sunlight — ideally on a whisk holder that keeps the tines in shape. Trapped moisture leads to mould and breakage.
Why is it not recommended to use soap on a chawan?
Warm water is enough. Soap can dull the glaze and, on porous unglazed clay, be absorbed and affect the flavour of your matcha.
