Japan holiday kitchenware purchases part 2
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This is a ‘Chakouro’ (茶香炉). It is a Japanese green tea burner.
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It works on the same principle as the essential oil burner that is used for aromatherapy – there is a vessel that is gently warmed up by the candle underneath. We place the tea leaves in the vessel and slowly roast it by the candle heat. The smokeless aroma enhances the atmosphere in the room delicately, transporting your thoughts to a serene zen tea room.
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This particular one is a Tokoname-ware, it’s made in Japan’s one of six ancient kilns. Which makes it sound romantically old, but actually, despite it’s traditional sounding name and it’s appearance, the ‘chakouro’ is a recent invention and its history is relatively new.  It was thought up in 1997, by a man who got the hint from, you guessed right, the aromatherapy oil burners! :)
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I wish I can send you the aroma over the computer! The nutty roasted tea scent is so subtle, and doesn’t dominate the room like incense sticks do. It really relaxes the mind.
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My Chakouro has a little pan with a handle to put the tea candle in. It’s like putting it in a miniature oven like a doll’s play, :) and I just love it!
And I sit here looking into the flame as I write and just watching the candle. There is something inherently primal about it, no? I can just watch it for hours. It’s a healing and meditative vision. It’s making me warm and content. :)
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That’s adorable! I will definitely look for one of those next time I am in Japan!
Comment by Cynthia - June 29, 2017 8:40 am
Thanks Cynthia!!!! :) :) :) Yes, please do try get one – it’s one of those purchases that I definitely don’t regret! – Hope you are well? x
Comment by Tamami - June 29, 2017 3:14 pm
I am a long time reader. Your blog continues to be beautiful and mouth-watering! I’m glad you are doing well and send hopeful thoughts your way after every read.
I noticed all the healthy dishes on your other accounts. Is it possible to get the recipes of these, especially the pickles in the Weck jars? Japanese recipes are simple but hard to duplicate. Perhaps your food pictures benefit from your set-ups—every dish looks like a picture. Take good care! Li Ann
Comment by Li - July 10, 2017 5:08 am
Hello Li Anne!!!!!! Ooooh! That’s very kind words! Thank you!!!! I’ll get on to it with publishing the Weck Jar Pickles recipe then! :) :) :) It makes me very happy to be asked, so once again, thank you!
Comment by Tamami - July 10, 2017 10:03 am
Dear Tamami,
I don’t know if you remember me. I’m the owner of a little tearoom in France and a mom of two ! I left you a comment a few months back and I felt the urge recently to write you and share a bit of my story :) I wrote a bigger letter than I thought I would and it’s too much to let it in a comment here.
Have you an email adress I could use? You can email it to me if you want :)
I hope you’re ok after your recent stay in the hospital :)
Anne-Laure
Comment by Anne - July 13, 2017 9:01 am
Hi Anne!!! I emailed you!!!! xxxxx
Comment by Tamami Haga - July 13, 2017 10:23 am
Hello Tamami, I hope you continue to keep well and are not suffering in any way, I think of you many times. I just wanted you to know that I recently made your brownies, they are delicious! I have made many brownies over the years but had not made your recipe until now, silly me! They will be my goto recipe from now on, they seem to improve by the day, staying moist and scrumptious and liked by everyone. Cheers to you and your recipes! xxx
Comment by Jeannette - August 11, 2017 12:37 pm
Dear Jeanette!!!!! :) :) :)
Wow! That’s great news to hear about the brownies! Thank you so much for trying out my recipe! – Yeah, they do improve with time, right?! Talking of brownies brings back memories! I used to make them every week for years for the market! Oh how I miss that whole setup – baking things I like to, being my own boss, and seeing and talking to all sorts of people. And, i also miss saying and receiving ‘thank you’. I must’ve exchanged Thank yous at least a 100 times every Saturday, and it felt so good! – Anyway…, that’s over now, and at least I have good health – there hasn’t been any sign of recurrence! :) yay! xxx Thank you Jeanette for your comment! xxx
Comment by Tamami - August 11, 2017 9:09 pm