Chashaku carving!

[blairswhitaker]

It's right around the standard length of 18-19 cm. I guess the tsutsu makes it look smaller

[blairswhitaker]

Found an excellently wabi piece of bamboo.

[JBaymore]

Good eye.

best,

...............john

[blairswhitaker]

Thanks John, I have an "urge" to create things a lot, and being here without all my art supplies and musical equipment I'm challenging myself to create with what I can find. I can carve a Chashaku with just a few inexpensive tools and some serious patience, although Shibano sensei's knowledge and guidance have provided something beyond state of the art tools, studios, and other luxuries afforded with a lot of $$$.

[Pig Hog]

That's stunning!

[Pig Hog]

Today I received a small package from Japan:

Here, on it's first matcha outing, is my new Blair S Whitaker chashaku 'Fuchi':

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[Pig Hog]

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I didn't think about it very hard before I took the photos, so sorry that the background is the same colour as the chashaku! Makes it a bit harder to see...

Matcha is organic Kirishima matcha.

[blairswhitaker]

Pig hog,
Glad to see it arrived in good shape!

hopefully it gives a lifetime of service, thanks for your interest and glad it's getting some action right away!

[Pig Hog]

I've used it a couple of times now and it's lovely to handle! It also matches well with my chasen.

I have a habit of using the chashaku to aid with sifting the matcha (through an old strainer basket). Is this a bad thing to do or is it ok? The underside of the chashaku is sanded so smooth and where it rubs against the steel mesh, it roughs it up again...

[blairswhitaker]

I personally don't have experience with using the chashaku to aid in the sifting of matcha, for small amounts I use a dedicated sifter that has a bamboo spatula and for larger amounts a flour sifter. My personal opinion would be to avoid rubbing it against metal, I am not sure of the type of sifter you are using but perhaps a small wooden spoon or a chopstick may be employed.

[Pig Hog]

That's a much better idea. I'll keep the stick from an ice lolly or something.