Description
Kurodake Yamato Takayama Chasen, Black Bamboo Tea Whisk, 46 tines. Japanese-made in Takayama, Nara Prefecture. The shape, as noted on the box, is "Shin" or "formal" shape, often used by the Uresenke and Omotesenke (the two largest) schools, as well as others. The lower number of tines puts this in the "Araho" category of chasen designed more for Koicha (Thick Matcha), but can be used for both Koicha and Usucha (Thin Matcha). Hand-crafted of fine bamboo, the chasen is the natural tool for whisking the perfect bowl of matcha. The tines are hand-split and hand-braided to separate each tine. The chasen itself is a work of beauty and fine craftsmanship. Using the chasen kusenaoshi (available here at Charaku) will further prolong the life of the chasen.
Takayama Chasen have a renowned history dating back to the Muromachi Era (1336-1573) in the early days of the aesthetic formation of Japanese Way of Tea.
To see the process from start to finish in making a Takayama Chasen, here's a video of about 20 minutes, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch_UoXrryC4 .