TAKAYAMA CHASEN
The small town of Ikoma, (Takayama Region) Nara Prefecture is known for its rich history and tradition crafting the finest chasen and has produced over 90% of Chasen (or matcha whisk) in Japan for over 500 years. The artisans in Takayama use a specific type of bamboo that is only found in the region, which gives the chasen its unique strength and flexibility. The attention to detail and quality control in Takayama is unparalleled, ensuring that each chasen is of the highest quality.
The Takyama Chasen is a truly special tool that's essential for preparing the perfect cup of matcha. A chasen made in Takayama, Japan is a must-have for any matcha enthusiast. The traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into eachasen ensures a superior matcha experience. Not only does it create the perfect froth, but it also adds a touch of authenticity to your tea ceremony.
Bamboo
The unique properties of bamboo, such as its strength and flexibility, make it the perfect choice for creating chasens. It's a great material because it's fast-growing, renewable, and requires minimal resources to grow. Our chasens are made from just a select few varieties of bamboo such as white bamboo (Shiratake) or black bamboo (Kurotake).
HARVEST: Materials are carefully selected and locally harvested in the winter when its water content is lower, reducing the risk of cracking during the crafting process. Bamboo is harvested in a sustainable and regenerative way from the natural forests which surround the town.
AGING: The bamboo is left to dry and age for several months to a few years. This process stabilises the bamboo, making it easier to work with and more durable.
The Process
01.
Cutting the Bamboo
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Sizing: The bamboo is cut into segments of appropriate length, usually around 12-15 cm.
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Splitting: The segment is split into quarters and then further split into smaller pieces to match the required width for the whisk tines.
02.
Shaping the Handle and Tines
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Shaping: The outer part of the bamboo is carved to form the handle.
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Splitting Tines: The upper part of the bamboo segment is split into thin tines using a small knife. This is a precise task, as the tines need to be uniform and evenly spaced.
03.
Forming the Tines
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Boiling: The tines are boiled to soften them, making them flexible and easier to bend.
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Curling: Each tine is curled outward using a small tool, a process that requires great dexterity to ensure uniformity.
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Drying: The whisk is left to dry, allowing the tines to set in their curled shape.
04.
Finishing Touches
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Trimming: The tips of the tines are trimmed to the desired length and shape.
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Polishing: The whisk is polished to smooth out any rough edges and ensure a comfortable grip.
05.
Quality Check
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Inspection: Each chasen is carefully inspected for quality, ensuring that the tines are evenly spaced and the handle is smooth.
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Adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the whisk performs well during the tea ceremony.
Behind the Scenes
Each chasen is carefully crafted by a skilled artisan using a single piece of bamboo. Master craftsman Tanimura Yasuburo guides us through the intricate process to create the iconic chasen.
Caring For Your Chasen
Now you know all the hard work and craftsmanship thats gone into make it you'll want take good care of it. This guide will help you your chasen and ensure it lasts for many tea ceremonies to come. From cleaning to storage, we've got you covered
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We always pre soak our chasen in boiling hot water for around 45/60 seconds before use, this allows the spines to soften up and become more flexible and springy (creating a thicker foam).
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When using the chasen try not to scrub the bottom of your bowl but to whisk just the liquid, you can do slow gentle sweeps around the bottom and sides of your bowl - just to make sure you have all the matcha in the mix.
After rinsing place on a chasen stand to make sure the spines keep their shape. Avoid leaving the chasen standing on its handle - this can casue the build-up of mould when sat in water.
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Pre-Soak
Motion
Clean
Store
Rinse your chasen to make sure there are no clumps of powder anywhere on the spines - when these dry they can make the spines more brittle.
NOTE: When you receive your new chasen you will notice that the tines are very tightly curled and the central column is neatly tied up, once you soak your chasen for the first time it's designed to expand and unravel ready for use.