Chakin (Japanese: 茶巾 "tea towel") is a small rectangular cloth used to wipe teabowls calledchawan. It is a part ofJapanese tea utensils. It is also used inSenchadō.
Whitelinen is often used, orhemp cloth. The high-quality bleached hemp clothNarazarashi (奈良晒) fromNara Prefecture is historically especially esteemed.[1][2][3] The size varies depending on the application and style, but it is often arectangle of about 1shaku (尺) x 5sun (寸) (30.3 x 15.2cm).[4] The edges lengthwise have a narrow rolledhem finished withoverlock stitching. These two hems face opposite sides of the cloth.
Thechakin is folded in a specific manner and placed, when not used, into a small vessel or cylinder that is calledkintō (巾筒).