Chakin (Japanese: 茶巾 "tea towel") is a small rectangular cloth used to wipe teabowls called chawan. It is a part of Japanese tea utensils. It is also used in Senchadō.
White linen is often used, or hemp cloth. The high-quality bleached hemp cloth Narazarashi (奈良晒) from Nara Prefecture is historically especially esteemed.123 The size varies depending on the application and style, but it is often a rectangle of about 1 shaku (尺) x 5 sun (寸) (30.3 x 15.2cm).4 The edges lengthwise have a narrow rolled hem finished with overlock stitching. These two hems face opposite sides of the cloth.
The chakin is folded in a specific manner and placed, when not used, into a small vessel or cylinder that is called kintō (巾筒).
References
References
- "A brand that revives Japan's traditional textiles | January 2015 | Highlighting Japan". www.gov-online.go.jp.
- "Nara'Sarashi Tea Towel (Chakin) By Nakagawa Masashichi from Japan – Ippin for Australia". Ippin.
- "Time travel within a walking distance Narazarashi, the most premium hemp fabric｜SUNCHI ~Explore Japan through regional crafts~". SUNCHI ~Explore Japan through regional crafts~.
- "Chakin". Camellia Sinensis.