Kyoto Hardwood Octagonal Chopsticks - Rosewood

These are beautifully crafted octagonal chopsticks, carefully carved by skilled craftsmen in Kyoto who meticulously select the materials.

The smooth, comfortable grip becomes more appealing with use, fitting naturally in the hand. A distinctive feature is that the appearance can vary greatly depending on the material.

About the Artisan: Meiboku Kogei Yamasho
Meiboku Kogei Yamasho meticulously crafts chopsticks using rare, carefully selected precious woods. These woods are naturally dried over decades, preserving their rustic charm. The artisan pays special attention to the beautiful grain patterns of traditional Japanese woods, creating chopsticks of exceptional quality and rarity.

The skills honed through years of crafting custom-made furniture are evident in each piece, reflecting the artisan's dedication to craftsmanship and detail. These chopsticks are a testament to the elegance and value of traditional Japanese woodworking.

bout the Material: Rosewood (Shitan)

Rosewood, known as Shitan in Japanese, is one of the most popular materials for crafting women’s wooden chopsticks. Its polished, reddish surface often displays hues ranging from reddish-brown to purplish-brown, with patterns of red, dark purple, and black stripes depending on the wood.

As one of the "three great exotic woods," rosewood has been highly prized for its fine grain, vibrant color, and exceptional resistance to decay, making it a favored material for traditional crafts. Among its varieties, Honzitan (true rosewood) and Koboku Shitan (redwood rosewood) are particularly esteemed. These materials develop a sophisticated dark purplish-brown patina over time, further enhancing their value. However, such high-grade rosewood is now extremely rare and difficult to acquire.

In response to scarcity, Paorosa, a type of African wood, is often used as a substitute for rosewood in modern applications, maintaining the beauty and durability that define this exquisite material.