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Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten

Japanese Tawashi Brush Set

Japanese Tawashi Brush Set

$79.00 USD
$79.00 USD
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Crafted from premium shuro (windmill palm fiber), this traditional Japanese tawashi brush set offers exceptional durability and gentle cleansing power. Unlike standard palm-based brushes, shuro is prized for its natural water resistance, breathability, and rare softness, making it ideal for delicate surfaces like ceramic, enamel, or cast iron. Each brush is handmade by Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten, a historic craftsman shop from Wakayama known for upholding time-honored techniques. Resistant to rot and fraying even after repeated use, shuro fibers naturally shed water and dry quickly, keeping the brushes hygienic and long-lasting. This trio of forms—classic, elongated, and twist—caters to a range of kitchen and household needs. Presented in a minimalist gift box, this set is not only functional but embodies the quiet precision and natural elegance of Japanese craftsmanship.

Detail

Size: (Round) W 2.8in x L 3.5in x H 1.6in / W 7cm x L 9cm x H 4cm, (Large) W 3.0in x L 5.1in x H 1.6in / W 7.5cm x L 13cm x H 4cm, (Twist) W 2.4in x L 5.1in x H 1.3in / W 6cm x L 13cm x H 3.2cm
Material: Shuro (Windmill Palm fiber), Stainless steel

Care ＆ Use

  • Rinse well with warm water after each use.
  • Shake off water and air-dry completely.
  • Avoid boiling or using bleach—use mild soap only.
  • Replace when fibers become frayed or retain debris.
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The quiet strength of shuro: Japan’s palm-fiber brushes

Long before synthetic scrubbers and imported sponges, Japan turned to nature—specifically, to shuro, or windmill palm—for its everyday cleaning needs. Native to the warm climates of Wakayama and Shikoku, shuro fiber has been used for centuries to make tawashi: simple, durable brushes woven by hand for kitchen and household use. But unlike coarse coconut-fiber versions found elsewhere, shuro tawashi are prized for their softness, water resistance, and surprising resilience.

The fibers do not fray easily, resist mold, and shed water naturally, making them ideal for scrubbing delicate items like ceramics, cast iron, lacquerware—even vegetables. Over time, they darken gently but rarely degrade, carrying the quiet charm of something meant to be used, not replaced. More than just a tool, the shuro brush is an object of tactile beauty—humble, practical, and made to last.

Brand History

Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten is a small, family-run maker of traditional Japanese brushes based in Wakayama Prefecture. For over half a century, the workshop has specialized in crafting shuro tawashi—scrubbing brushes made from the fibres of the windmill palm. These brushes are not factory-pressed nor mass-assembled. Each one is hand-wound by Masatsumu Kitayama himself, using carefully selected palm fibres, coiled tightly with wire, and finished to a standard that reflects both form and quiet strength.

What sets the workshop apart is its deep respect for the material. Shuro, naturally resistant to water and decay, is supple yet resilient—ideal for delicate surfaces like enamel, cast iron, and ceramic. But it is the human hand that gives the brushes life. No machines dictate shape or texture. Each brush is an expression of experience, designed to wear in, not out.

In a world that often values speed and disposability, Kitayama Masatsumu Shoten stands for a different rhythm: slow, intentional, and enduring. Their brushes are more than tools—they are everyday companions, shaped with care, meant to last, and rooted in the quiet excellence of Japanese craftsmanship.