Tea Leaf Scoop

Nousaku, founded in 1916 in Takaoka, Japan, originally produced Buddhist ritual objects, tea utensils, and vases in brass and bronze. Since the late 1990s, the company has expanded into interior objects, tableware and art pieces. Respecting and preserving the traditional techniques to express the quiet beauty of casting in contemporary forms.

– Wash with a mild detergent using a soft sponge.
– Polish with a common metal polisher, tooth paste, or pasty baking soda to restore the shine.
– Any abrasive materials, wire wool or brushes should not be used as surfaces may be scratched.
– Do not put an item over a fire nor use it in microwave as the melting point is low.
– Refrain from storing in the refrigerator more than 30 minutes or in the freezer to avoid deterioration of the material.
– Not suitable for use in dishwashing or drying machines.
– Excessive bending and changing shapes may lead to cracks and breakage of the item

Tin, known as suzu in Japanese, is a precious metal ranked just after gold and silver. Naturally soft and malleable, it is often alloyed to increase hardness, but Nousaku only uses 100% pure tin. Though an unconventional choice, this idea allows Nousaku to create of unique pieces products which can be bent and used.

Pure tin is resistant to corrosion and does not easily tarnish like silver. It also has natural antibacterial properties that make it ideal for tableware.

In Japan, it is also believed to soften the bitterness of sake and other beverages. When bent, it produces a distinctive “tin cry” sound unique to the metal.