Matcha Accessories

Chawan - this is a type of bowl/cup that matcha is served in. They are usually handmade and very expensive. In Japan, the more irregularities a chawan has the more expensive and better quality it is. They are high fire bowls, which mean that they and the glazes used on them are fired in a kiln at a very high temperature. If you don't own a chawan, then any small, shallow bowls will work fine. DO NOT DISH WASH!!!! Chawan must be hand washed otherwise the bowl's clay will absorb moisture and can collect bad flavors, scents, and become moldy.

Matcha Sifter/sieve- this is often used so the matcha won't clump and the texture will be smoother in the end product. While it isn't necessary, I would definitely advise using one. This, typically, can be dish-washed.

Chasen - the matcha whisk. They can either have 80 bristles or 120 bristles. I've owned both, and prefer the 120, simply because the texture and froth is easier to create with the 12o bristles. Chasen are handmade so be sure you take care of yours. Whisks should be rinsed in warm water prior to use, so the bristles become soft and won't break as easily. It should also be rinsed after use with warm water.

Kusenaoshi - this is a whisk keeper. I absolutely recommend this if you intend on buying a Chasen. A kusenaoshi helps the Chasen keep its shape, it aids in drying, and can prevent a lot of damage that can occur in the chasen. These are ceramic, and come in either light green or blue, I haven't seen any other colors, but let me know if there are.

Chashaku - this is the little bamboo scoop/spoon that is typically used in tea ceremonies. I love mine, when I didn't have one I used a silver spoon and the matcha stuck to it terribly, match just doesn't stick very well to it! Two chashaku are equal to about 1.5 to two grams of matcha, which sounds like a lot, but its really not.

Kyusu - a tea pot. Traditionally red, earthen ware, but any color can be used.

Yuzamashi - a water cooler. This looks like a tea pot without a a lid or spout.

Chaki - an airtight container used during tea ceremonies to keep matcha for use during the ceremony.