Grain, at rest
Rich chocolate‑brown heartwood with tight, straight grain; a faint, sweet‑nutty scent clings to the surface.
Under water
Under a damp cloth the grain deepens to an almost purple‑black, revealing subtle medullary rays that catch the light.
In low light
The low‑gloss oil finish leaves the wood silky to the touch — droplets bead rather than soak in, and the colour remains warm even in shadow.
Scent
An understated, natural walnut aroma lingers after a session, never competing with the tea’s fragrance.
Underhand
The 2‑cm thick top absorbs the minute vibrations of a whisked matcha or a boiling kettle, steadying every movement.
Finish, over time
Smooth, slightly tactile; fingertips can still trace the gentle ridges of the grain, a reminder of the tree’s decades of growth.