The Hishaku is therefore a bamboo ladle used to measure and transfer the water during a TEMAE (the tea preparation procedure is known as Temae, and it is a series of important gestures that Chado students still practice and again.)
Today, the Hishaku Temae are available in four different styles: ro (fireplace / cold season), Furo (Brasero / hot season), Kennyo (all seasons) and Sashi-Toshi (passage).
The Hishaku ros have a larger cup and their handle is cut in angled up.
The Furo Hishaku have smaller cuts and their finer handle is cut down. The Kennyo Hishaku have a cup that is about between the Furo and RO styles, with a right-cut round.
These three types are all tsuki-gata: they are made from two pieces of bamboo that are simply kept together by friction. The Sashi-Toshi Hishaku, meanwhile, are made so that the handle passes through the cup and is fixed with a spindle, which makes these Hishaku much more durable.
It is believed that this is the original style of Hishaku and, as such, are mainly used for more formal temae. The Sashi-Tohshi version does not distinguish between the brazier and the stove. The symbolic of Hishaku: the way water is poured into the kettle, the temperature of the water and the way the lid is placed on the pot all have a particular meaning and are carefully chosen to match the occasion and the ceremony.
Here are some more details on using the Hishaku:
1. Preparation: Before the first use: Rinse Hishaku with hot water and let it dry completely. Cleaning: Hishaku is only used for water and does not require a lot of cleaning. Always make sure it is completely dry before storing. Storage: Store it in a well-ventilated area with a humidity level greater than 50%.
2. Using the Hishaku: Take the water: lift the Hishaku and gently pull the water from Mizusashi. Pour in the kettle: pour the water into the Kama (tea kettle).
3. PRECAUTIONS OF USE: Do not soak: Never leave the Hishaku soak in the water. No liquid dish: Avoid using dishwashing liquid, a dishwasher or dryer for the Hishaku. Dry completely: Make sure it is completely dry before tidying it.
Storage: Store it in a well-ventilated and wet place.
IMPORTANT: Natural bamboo material without coating
IMPORTANT: Color and size may vary due to natural materials and the artisanal manufacture of the product.
No topcoat is applied due to the use of hot water. There is therefore a risk of mold formation.
Please dry the product well after cleaning before you store and use it.
