Skip to product information
Crane Chopstick Rest in Tin (Hashioki) | Jutaro

A hashioki in pure tin, shaped as an origami crane — a bird Japan has long counted as lucky. As the saying goes ("the crane lives a thousand years"), it stands for longevity and a happy marriage. The folded-crane shape is one people recognize the world over now. And because tin is fairly soft, you can open out or bend the wings yourself, by hand.

For delivery outside Japan, please contact us before ordering to confirm availability and shipping costs for your destination.

Standard delivery within Japan: free on orders of JPY 10,000 or more.

Below JPY 10,000: JPY 700 (Hokkaido: JPY 1,300; Okinawa: JPY 1,200). Express delivery costs extra. These rates apply to domestic delivery only.

In-stock items are dispatched within 7 business days of your delivery request, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Shipping, dispatch and returns

Restock and product news by email

Receive our newsletter with restock updates and new product announcements.

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Care and handling
Size

Length x width x height (mm) 42 x 30 x 24

Specifications

17g pure tin

Why the Crane Carries Good Wishes

There's an old saying — "the crane lives a thousand years, the turtle ten thousand." The crane has long stood for long life and good fortune, and because it's said to pair for life, for a happy marriage too.

Fold a crane from a single sheet of paper and you're folding in a wish: for someone's recovery, for a long life. A thousand of them strung together — senbazuru — has become a symbol of peace known well beyond Japan.

We made that into something palm-sized for your table. One on its own, or a pair. A quiet way to set a wish for someone next to their chopsticks.

About the Ori-ori Collection

Mountains, rivers, sea. Shizuoka sits in the middle of all of it — good water, good ingredients, and the local sake that comes from both.

We wanted a set of vessels that would do that sake justice. Ori-ori — the word means "season by season" — is our tin answer: cups and pieces for drinking Shizuoka's sake alongside whatever the sea and the hills are giving that month.

The shapes fold like paper, and the light moves on them like water. Tin's ion effect rounds off the sake, too — softer on the tongue. Simple objects, but they hold the table.

Tin: A Metal People Have Used for a Thousand Years

Tin — *suzu* in Japanese — has been part of daily life for more than a thousand years. It has a soft silver-white sheen, and because the metal itself is soft, people around the world have shaped it into all kinds of things.

In Japan, tin came into use around the Edo period. People kept it inside their water jars, because tin helps keep water from going bad. It doesn't rust easily, it's non-toxic, and it's been used for tableware and sake cups ever since.

A few things make tin a little special as a vessel. Its subtle ion effect softens the flavor of tea or sake poured into it. It conducts heat quickly, so a cold drink chills the whole cup almost the moment you pour it. Some people even keep cut flowers in a tin vase — the water stays fresher for longer.

Made by Hand, One at a Time

Every Jutaro piece is cast and finished by hand, one at a time. Casting — *chūzō* — starts with a mold. We pour the melted tin in, let it cool until it sets, and then polish it by hand until it's ready.

We stick to handwork because some things really do live in the hands of the artisan, not in a machine. The small natural ripples on the surface, the soft line of a rim shaped by hand — these are the details a machine can't quite reach, and they're part of what makes a handmade piece feel different to hold.

Frequently asked questions

What is tin?

Tin is a metal with a soft, silver-white sheen that has long been used for tableware and sake vessels. It resists rust and conducts heat quickly. Tin vessels are traditionally appreciated for the mellow taste of drinks served in them.

Use these vessels for cold drinks. They are not suitable for hot drinks because heat passes quickly through the metal.

How do I care for my tinware?

Everyday care
Wash promptly after use with mild dish detergent and a soft sponge. Leaving drinks in the vessel may cause discoloration. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth after washing.

If you notice lingering smells or flavors
Briefly soak the vessel in lukewarm water with a small amount of baking soda. Wash as usual, then dry thoroughly.

If the surface becomes dull or darkens
A changing patina is part of tin’s character. If needed, use a paste of baking soda and water and polish gently without abrasive scrubbing. Do not use metal polish.

Can I use a microwave or dishwasher?

Do not use tinware in a microwave: it is metal. Hand washing is recommended instead of a dishwasher. High drying temperatures may alter the finish, and strong water jets or contact with other dishes may cause scratches or deformation.

You may also like