Description
Takayama Chasen, Bamboo Tea Whisk, 80 tines. Japanese-made. Kubo Sabun atelier. Hand-crafted of fine bamboo, the chasen is the natural tool for whisking the perfect bowl of matcha. Split into 80 tines and 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. Kubo Sabun is the 24th generation chasen craftsman of his Chikumeido Sabun family's long line of artisans whose skill and techniques have been passed down from generation to generation. They have received numerous awards from the Japanese government and have been recognized for their work in their continuation of an important cultural craft tradition.
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 .