Among bamboos, there is the vigorous and thick “Mōsō bamboo” and the slightly slender “Hachiku bamboo.”
By placing these bamboos into a high-pressure steamer or into a charcoal kiln used for making charcoal, a uniquely rich character is brought out.
At our shop, this special material is called smoked bamboo.
There are four types of smoked bamboo ladles.
First, there are two varieties: one without holes and one with holes. Then, each comes in two sizes, small and large.
These ladles are made by using the natural nodes that bamboo always has.This one is the type without holes.Because the natural nodes are used as they are, there are slight individual differences. The varying shapes from piece to piece are also part of their charm.This is the type with holes. In both types, the bamboo curves naturally from the scooping part to the handle, and this curve makes it easy to scoop.There are seven holes in the scooping part.The bamboo nodes, too, are firmly hardened into material by heating in the high-pressure steamer or charcoal kiln.Because of the nature of bamboo, cracks like those seen in the photos may inevitably appear. According to the maker, Mr. Shimomoto (who has been making these ladles for many years and also uses them himself), “Even if cracks do occur, I have never heard of them breaking apart completely, so please use them without worry.” These are not considered defects, so we ask for your understanding in advance.The handle of the ladle is made from a slender type of bamboo whose cross-section is slightly square rather than round. Though it appears round from above, this subtle shape gives it a comfortable grip. It is also known as a variety whose shoots are edible.For the handle, the Shihōchiku has pieces of bamboo inserted from both the top and the bottom. In the photos, you can see the parts being inserted from the left and right into the Shihōchiku.After both are inserted, they are secured with bamboo nails. No metal fittings are used—everything is finished only with bamboo.At the end of the handle, a ring-shaped piece of bamboo is attached. It is handy for hanging the ladle.This is the “without holes” ladle in the large size.It is a convenient size when serving plenty of miso soup or other soups.This is the “without holes” ladle in the small size.It is just the right size for scooping from smaller pots or jars. It is also excellent for pouring into a soup jar without spilling.This is the “with holes” ladle in the large size.It is useful for scooping ingredients from hot pots, or for lifting boiled vegetables or dumplings while leaving the cooking water behind.This is the “with holes” ladle in the small size.This one is also good for serving small portions. It drains liquid thoroughly.
In traditional Japanese life, bamboo has long been used to make many cooking and kitchen tools, but perhaps there has never been one so functional and uniquely designed as this.
It feels almost like a miracle that this ladle achieves both “what only bamboo can do” and “a tool never seen before.”
The smoked bamboo has a color full of character.
Its texture is gentle to the touch, and it will not easily damage pots or dishes—another pleasing point. It will surely become a dependable partner that makes everyday cooking more enjoyable.
Please choose your preferred type and size.
__Kazuho Shimomoto’s Bamboo Cutlery__
Mr. Kazuho Shimomoto, who runs his workshop in the mountains of Kōchi, originally built charcoal kilns together with local people, using only earth and stone, and made charcoal from oak and beech wood.
The beginning of his bamboo cutlery came when he hung up bamboo spoons he had carved himself and exposed them directly to the heavy smoke from charcoal making, which gave them a unique finish. From this experience, he went on to make bamboo cutlery smoked in the charcoal kiln in earnest.
Bamboo, which in some parts of Japan today is even regarded as a nuisance, is cut down by Mr. Shimomoto himself in the mountains. After applying heat treatment, he smokes it in his own charcoal kiln and uses the deeply blackened bamboo to craft cutlery as tools for daily life.
The pieces he makes, though sharp in impression, also carry a certain calm thickness and roundness. They are not only appealing to the eye but also gentle to the touch, with a profound charm that is of course practical as well.
The longer they are used, the more the texture of bamboo softens and blends in. While retaining their original “sharp yet calm” impression, they become more beloved over time, adding a small touch of color to the daily table and to the mood of the person using them.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a ladle made from smoked bamboo.
Among bamboos, there is the vigorous and thick “Mōsō bamboo” and the slightly slender “Hachiku bamboo.”
By placing these bamboos into a high-pressure steamer or into a charcoal kiln used for making charcoal, a uniquely rich character is brought out.
At our shop, this special material is called smoked bamboo.
There are four types of smoked bamboo ladles.
First, there are two varieties: one without holes and one with holes. Then, each comes in two sizes, small and large.
These ladles are made by using the natural nodes that bamboo always has.This one is the type without holes.Because the natural nodes are used as they are, there are slight individual differences. The varying shapes from piece to piece are also part of their charm.This is the type with holes. In both types, the bamboo curves naturally from the scooping part to the handle, and this curve makes it easy to scoop.There are seven holes in the scooping part.The bamboo nodes, too, are firmly hardened into material by heating in the high-pressure steamer or charcoal kiln.Because of the nature of bamboo, cracks like those seen in the photos may inevitably appear. According to the maker, Mr. Shimomoto (who has been making these ladles for many years and also uses them himself), “Even if cracks do occur, I have never heard of them breaking apart completely, so please use them without worry.” These are not considered defects, so we ask for your understanding in advance.The handle of the ladle is made from a slender type of bamboo whose cross-section is slightly square rather than round. Though it appears round from above, this subtle shape gives it a comfortable grip. It is also known as a variety whose shoots are edible.For the handle, the Shihōchiku has pieces of bamboo inserted from both the top and the bottom. In the photos, you can see the parts being inserted from the left and right into the Shihōchiku.After both are inserted, they are secured with bamboo nails. No metal fittings are used—everything is finished only with bamboo.At the end of the handle, a ring-shaped piece of bamboo is attached. It is handy for hanging the ladle.This is the “without holes” ladle in the large size.It is a convenient size when serving plenty of miso soup or other soups.This is the “without holes” ladle in the small size.It is just the right size for scooping from smaller pots or jars. It is also excellent for pouring into a soup jar without spilling.This is the “with holes” ladle in the large size.It is useful for scooping ingredients from hot pots, or for lifting boiled vegetables or dumplings while leaving the cooking water behind.This is the “with holes” ladle in the small size.This one is also good for serving small portions. It drains liquid thoroughly.
In traditional Japanese life, bamboo has long been used to make many cooking and kitchen tools, but perhaps there has never been one so functional and uniquely designed as this.
It feels almost like a miracle that this ladle achieves both “what only bamboo can do” and “a tool never seen before.”
The smoked bamboo has a color full of character.
Its texture is gentle to the touch, and it will not easily damage pots or dishes—another pleasing point. It will surely become a dependable partner that makes everyday cooking more enjoyable.
Please choose your preferred type and size.
__Kazuho Shimomoto’s Bamboo Cutlery__
Mr. Kazuho Shimomoto, who runs his workshop in the mountains of Kōchi, originally built charcoal kilns together with local people, using only earth and stone, and made charcoal from oak and beech wood.
The beginning of his bamboo cutlery came when he hung up bamboo spoons he had carved himself and exposed them directly to the heavy smoke from charcoal making, which gave them a unique finish. From this experience, he went on to make bamboo cutlery smoked in the charcoal kiln in earnest.
Bamboo, which in some parts of Japan today is even regarded as a nuisance, is cut down by Mr. Shimomoto himself in the mountains. After applying heat treatment, he smokes it in his own charcoal kiln and uses the deeply blackened bamboo to craft cutlery as tools for daily life.
The pieces he makes, though sharp in impression, also carry a certain calm thickness and roundness. They are not only appealing to the eye but also gentle to the touch, with a profound charm that is of course practical as well.
The longer they are used, the more the texture of bamboo softens and blends in. While retaining their original “sharp yet calm” impression, they become more beloved over time, adding a small touch of color to the daily table and to the mood of the person using them.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a ladle made from smoked bamboo.
Among bamboos, there is the vigorous and thick “Mōsō bamboo” and the slightly slender “Hachiku bamboo.”
By placing these bamboos into a high-pressure steamer or into a charcoal kiln used for making charcoal, a uniquely rich character is brought out.
At our shop, this special material is called smoked bamboo.
There are four types of smoked bamboo ladles.
First, there are two varieties: one without holes and one with holes. Then, each comes in two sizes, small and large.
These ladles are made by using the natural nodes that bamboo always has.This one is the type without holes.Because the natural nodes are used as they are, there are slight individual differences. The varying shapes from piece to piece are also part of their charm.This is the type with holes. In both types, the bamboo curves naturally from the scooping part to the handle, and this curve makes it easy to scoop.There are seven holes in the scooping part.The bamboo nodes, too, are firmly hardened into material by heating in the high-pressure steamer or charcoal kiln.Because of the nature of bamboo, cracks like those seen in the photos may inevitably appear. According to the maker, Mr. Shimomoto (who has been making these ladles for many years and also uses them himself), “Even if cracks do occur, I have never heard of them breaking apart completely, so please use them without worry.” These are not considered defects, so we ask for your understanding in advance.The handle of the ladle is made from a slender type of bamboo whose cross-section is slightly square rather than round. Though it appears round from above, this subtle shape gives it a comfortable grip. It is also known as a variety whose shoots are edible.For the handle, the Shihōchiku has pieces of bamboo inserted from both the top and the bottom. In the photos, you can see the parts being inserted from the left and right into the Shihōchiku.After both are inserted, they are secured with bamboo nails. No metal fittings are used—everything is finished only with bamboo.At the end of the handle, a ring-shaped piece of bamboo is attached. It is handy for hanging the ladle.This is the “without holes” ladle in the large size.It is a convenient size when serving plenty of miso soup or other soups.This is the “without holes” ladle in the small size.It is just the right size for scooping from smaller pots or jars. It is also excellent for pouring into a soup jar without spilling.This is the “with holes” ladle in the large size.It is useful for scooping ingredients from hot pots, or for lifting boiled vegetables or dumplings while leaving the cooking water behind.This is the “with holes” ladle in the small size.This one is also good for serving small portions. It drains liquid thoroughly.
In traditional Japanese life, bamboo has long been used to make many cooking and kitchen tools, but perhaps there has never been one so functional and uniquely designed as this.
It feels almost like a miracle that this ladle achieves both “what only bamboo can do” and “a tool never seen before.”
The smoked bamboo has a color full of character.
Its texture is gentle to the touch, and it will not easily damage pots or dishes—another pleasing point. It will surely become a dependable partner that makes everyday cooking more enjoyable.
Please choose your preferred type and size.
__Kazuho Shimomoto’s Bamboo Cutlery__
Mr. Kazuho Shimomoto, who runs his workshop in the mountains of Kōchi, originally built charcoal kilns together with local people, using only earth and stone, and made charcoal from oak and beech wood.
The beginning of his bamboo cutlery came when he hung up bamboo spoons he had carved himself and exposed them directly to the heavy smoke from charcoal making, which gave them a unique finish. From this experience, he went on to make bamboo cutlery smoked in the charcoal kiln in earnest.
Bamboo, which in some parts of Japan today is even regarded as a nuisance, is cut down by Mr. Shimomoto himself in the mountains. After applying heat treatment, he smokes it in his own charcoal kiln and uses the deeply blackened bamboo to craft cutlery as tools for daily life.
The pieces he makes, though sharp in impression, also carry a certain calm thickness and roundness. They are not only appealing to the eye but also gentle to the touch, with a profound charm that is of course practical as well.
The longer they are used, the more the texture of bamboo softens and blends in. While retaining their original “sharp yet calm” impression, they become more beloved over time, adding a small touch of color to the daily table and to the mood of the person using them.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
