Shaku (笏) or Hu (Chinese: 笏; pinyin: hù) is a ritual tablet or flat scepter of Chinese origin, which is used in Japan and also currently or historically in China, Korea, Vietnam and Ryukyu. The Hu was originally used at court for the taking of notes and was usually made of bamboo. Officials could record speaking notes on the tablet ahead of the audience, and record the Emperor's instructions during the audience. Likewise the Emperor could use it for notes during ceremonies. It eventually evolved into a ritual implement. It also became customary for officials to shield their mouths with their hu when speaking to the Emperor. The hu can be made of different material according to the holder's rank: sovereigns used jade (similar to, but not the same as, the ceremonial jade scepter gui 圭), nobles used ivory, and court officials used bamboo. Japanese shaku is usually made of woods like Japanese yew, holly, cherry, sakaki or Japanese cedar. It also became a religious instrument in Taoism and Shintoism. The hu or shaku is often seen in portraits of Chinese Mandarins, Japanese shoguns, emperors and noblemen, but is now used mostly by Taoist priests (daoshi) and Shinto priests (the kannushi).

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