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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