Takayama Blue Fresh Bamboo Chasen Chikusendo 80 tines ( 茶筌八十本立- Hachiju hon date)

 Takayama Blue Fresh Bamboo tea whisk (chasen) handcrafted in Takayama district, Ikoma city, Nara Prefecture at Chikusendo of master craftsman. Both have a rich history of about 500 years.

The whisks are constructed with a skillful precision, and the bamboo tines are extremely flexibile, making chasen very durable and a joy to use.

The Bamboo
Premium quality Japan grown Henon Bamboo 2-3 years of age, which are oil drained and subsequently sun-dried for 2 months time in the cold January to Feburary mountains of Ikoma Takayama. Under this climate, the bamboo strengthens and formulates a beautiful gloss. It is then stored for 2 years before it is used for Chasen

The Process
The craftsman inherits the precious traditional skills from 500 years ago.
A small blade is used to cut and trim the bamboo into a beautiful Chasen. The process of narrowing the prongs is called "Aji-kezuri", and is said to be the most difficult part as it even changes the taste of the Matcha.

* Even silica gel moisture absorbents (which is commonly found in Chasen packages) add unpleasant smells to Matcha. He does not use this either.

Only Takayama Chasen are used in traditional tea ceremonies in Japan and around the world. Made by specialized craftsmen, they are considered as a treasured work of art- and that is why they are exclusively used and sought after.

Preserving your natural bamboo chasen will require a little care and attention to ensure its longevity. Before you use your whisk to prepare matcha, it’s essential that you use hot water to soften the bristles, making them more flexible and less prone to snapping. You can do this by simply immersing the bristled end of your whisk in hot water and moving it through the water without touching the base of the bowl. Once you’re ready to whisk your tea, your chasen should hardly touch the chawan because too much pressure could cause the bristles to break. Once you’ve whisked your tea into a beautiful jade foam, remove the chasen with the bristles facing upwards, rinse it with warm water and allow it to air dry.

Storing the chasen in a place that is not too dry will help to stop the bamboo from splitting. 

Storage instructions:

Do not use soap or dishwashers. Gently rise with water after use. 

Keep away from direct sunlight.

Details:

Material: Fresh bamboo chasen- 80 tines

Handcraft in Ikoma, Nara Prefecture, Japan.

MADE IN JAPAN.