Charcoal stick with green cloth tightened around with a string
Origin : Japan
Made of : other materials or mixed
Classification : things / shapes
Maker : ?
About "bamboo charcoal" (takesumi - 竹炭) :
Bamboo charcoal is traditionally used in Japan for cooking and to dry tea. Its very high porosity is also used to purify water. A piece of bamboo charcoal left in the water of an electric kettle avoids any tarter to stick on the heating element. Japanese cook sometimes rice with a piece of bamboo charcoal to purify the water and add minerals. Rice cooked that way is meant to taste much better.
Bamboo charcoal pieces
Bamboo charcoal piece
About "bamboo" (take - 竹) :
Bamboo is a quick growing evergreen grass that has been used in Japan for construction and various arts and crafts for many centuries.
Even the strongest tree can brake against strong winds. The bamboo bends, it flexes, nearly touches the ground, but never breaks. Bamboos symbolize the idea that a man must keep his integrity whatever happens to him.
In case of earthquake, bamboo forests are considered as a safe place to find shelter. The interlaced bamboo roots hold the ground and there is no risk of being crashed by a tree.
A bamboo forest near Kyoto
A japanese fountain with water piping and ladle made of bamboo
