Practical and pretty: Tawashi brushes made from the fibers of the windmill palm have been used in Japan for centuries. For 70 years, Takada’s artisans have been handcrafting tawashi brushes one at a time, using materials harvested from trees cultivated in Wakayama Prefecture, in southwestern Japan. “While scrubbing brushes are usually rough and thick and made of synthetic fibers,” the company says, “tawashi brushes don’t scratch the surface being washed. Takada brushes reflect the expertise of Japanese craftsmen, who know how to turn a natural material into a high-quality, eco-friendly tool.”
Here’s a roundup of brushes available for online purchase:
Above: A selection of Takada Tawashi offerings, via Wakayama in Japan. They say: “Each of our Shuro Tawashi scrubbing brushes is individually made by experienced craftsmen from only the finest hemp palm fibers.”
Above: The Tawashi Twist Kitchen Sponge is $35 from Obakki.
Above: The Tawashi Kitchen Brush (R) is $18 from Goodee.
Above: The Japanese Cypress Broom is $206 from Handcrafted Modern.
See more favorite Japanese tools for the home:
- 15 Best Online Shops for Japanese Housewares Design
- 10 Easy Pieces: Japanese Kitchen Knives
- Expert Advice: A Design Guide to Japan with Asako Ueno of Anzu New York
N.B.: Featured image via Goodee. This story originally appeared on November 4, 2019 and has been updated with new images, links, and pricing.
