Chopstick Rests
A Japanese chopstick rest, or Hashioki, keeps your chopsticks clean while adding a subtle touch of elegance to every dining moment.
A Touch of Japan at Your Table
Chopstick Rest, A Symbol of Japanese Refinement
Enhance your dining experience by incorporating a Hashioki into your table setting.
This simple yet elegant addition brings a refined touch while capturing the serene essence of Japanese culture.
Hashioki – A Symbol of Japanese Refinement
More about Hashioki
Benefits of using a Chopstick Rest
Using a rest (箸置き) helps maintain hygiene by keeping chopsticks elevated and off the table surface, reducing contact with germs.
A thoughtfully placed hashioki not only reflects respect for your guests but also adds a touch of sophistication to your table setting. Small details like a chopstick holder can transform everyday meals into moments of refined hospitality.
The Origins of the Hashioki: Where Function Meets Tradition
To appreciate the significance of the Hashioki (箸置き- traditional Japanese chopstick rest) we must begin with the history of the chopsticks themselves.
Before their arrival, early Japanese meals were typically eaten by hand.
This custom changed during the Asuka Period (飛鳥時代, Asuka Jidai, 538–710 AD), when Prince Shōtoku sent envoys to China and encountered the refined custom of using chopsticks.
Impressed by the formality of Chinese dining, Prince Shōtoku introduced chopsticks to Japan as both a practical tool and a cultural symbol. They soon became a marker of etiquette, especially in noble and ceremonial settings.
As their use spread, chopsticks and rest etiquette took root—particularly in Shinto rituals, where presenting dirty utensils was seen as disrespectfulto the gods.
To prevent contact with surfaces, the chopstick holder (like today’s hashioki) was created. This simple innovation ensured cleanliness and upheld the values of purity and respect.
Over time, the hashioki became more than a chopstick stand, it evolved into an elegant table accessory, merging tradition and utility.
Whether you choose a modern black Japanese chopstick rest or a more decorative one, each piece reflects centuries of intentional design and refined craftsmanship.
Japanese Tableware as Art
A Hashioki is more than functional; it’s a statement of style and tradition.
Let customers speak for us
I bought those beautiful cherry blossom teacups for hosting my guests when they came over. It is very cute and I received compliments from everyone. I love them!!
