Shop

Chasen is a traditional Japanese match whisk. The whisk is made from a single piece of bamboo, which is divided into a series of delicate bristles.

Chasen is one of the tea utensils used in Japanese tea ceremony, to prepare matcha. It can be used to make thick koicha paste as well as frothy usucha.

Matcha whsik comes in different shapes and sizes. Also, the number of bristles can vary, reaching up to 120. Making a matcha whisk with more bristles is considered prestigious, because it requires more sophisticated craftsmanship. Until the “Meiji Revolution” chasen with 80 or more bristles was for feudal lords or individuals of higher rank. While the chasen with 120 bristles was for the shogun.

Once upon a time, artisans in Takayama perfected their craft of making matcha whisks and passed those skills down from generation to generation. In some cases, the chasen masters were the 18th and in some cases the 25th generation to inherit the family craft. Today, there are very few such masters, who, in order to prevent the loss of tradition, started taking apprentices from outside their family.

Before using the matcha whisk, it is recommended to put it in a cup of hot water and let it soak  for 2 minutes. The chasen is a very delicate part of the tea set, and this act prevents the bristles of the whisk from breaking. In water, they soften, open slightly, and are ready for making matcha.

After use, only rinse of the matcha residue of the whisk with warm water, or soak the whisk in water. Various detergents and washing in the dishwasher are not recomended.  

• Size: 11cm
• Country of origin: China