Chashaku by Baigen With Zen Calligraphy by Fujii Kaidō, Former Abbot of Daitoku-ji

This chashaku (tea scoop) was crafted by Baigen and is accompanied by an original hakogaki (box inscription) written by Fujii Kaidō, former abbot of Daitoku-ji, one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples.

The piece has undergone a professional repair, a practice traditionally accepted in the world of Japanese tea utensils as part of their continued life and use. The repair has been carefully executed, and the chashaku remains in good pre-owned condition, preserving both its functionality and aesthetic balance.

In chanoyu, tea utensils bearing Zen calligraphy are valued not only for their craftsmanship but also for the spiritual and cultural depth they embody. The combination of the maker’s hand and a Zen priest’s inscription situates this chashaku firmly within the authentic lineage of Japanese tea culture.

Suitable for use in tea gatherings as well as for collectors who appreciate the philosophy of care, continuity, and respect for objects, this chashaku reflects the tea tradition’s view that beauty is deepened, not diminished, by time and mindful restoration.