Dark Brown Japanese Chasen (Matcha Whisk)

Description

A completely hand-made, high-grade Chasen for whisking Matcha green tea into a smooth, velvety consistency, this particular shape is preferred by the Urasenke School of Chado (tea ceremony).

Unlike the more commonly sold the Matcha whisks in the market, this Chasen is 100% Japanese. Hand-crafted in Takayama town from Japanese-grown bamboo, this Chasen is sealed with a stamp guaranteeing that it is hand-made by a certified traditional craftsman.

Each Chasen is made by hand using a small knife to delicately cut the bamboo into 80-100 fine prongs, each less than 0.1mm at the thinnest point. 

The birthplace of the Chasen is a small town called Yuwa Takayama, and this is where our Chasens are made. Yuwa Takayama has produced over 90% of Chasen in Japan for over 500 years and the art has been passed down through generations. 

Our Chasens and Chashaku are Made in Takayama (Nara prefecture) by the Kubo Masaki, the 24th generation of a chasen-making family, and recognized as National Living Treasure for his skills. After cutting, the bamboo has been left to dry for a long period to prevent it from molding.

This chasen was crafted by Kubo Sabun himself in the 3-century old studio of master craftsman Kubo Sabun (24th generation master) in Takayama, Nara, Japan.

Made with dark bamboo, called kurochiku (黒竹 "black bamboo") or shichiku (紫竹 "purple bamboo"), as black and purple are an elegant exaggeration of the dark brown color of the bamboo. This type of bamboo is made from a type of white bamboo (白竹 shiratake) that grows to 3-5 meters in height and 2-3 cm in diameter. After about 8 months, it begins to turn color and gradually turns brown over the course of 2+ years.

Dimensions

H: 12 cm, diameter: 6 cm . 72 prongs.

Care Instructions

Initiate your new Chasen by submerging the bristles in hot water for a few minutes. 

Always moisten the bristles in the warm water you'll use to rinse the bowl, before whisking Matcha.

This will soften the bristles and prolong the life of the Chasen.

After use, rinse the Chasen with lukewarm water or whisk a bowl of clean, warm water.

Dry upside down on a chasen stand.

Do not use soap or place it in the dishwasher. If any clumps of matcha stick to the bristles, use a soft toothbrush to gentle remove them.

Do not leave the base standing in water as it may cause it to crack.
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