Origin: Takayama, Nara, Japan
Original handmade Matcha whisk (Chasen) made of 100% black bamboo.
Each blade is handmade and unique. It is made in Nara, Japan, 100% natural and chemical-free, and is sourced locally and high-quality bamboo pieces are carefully selected. Matcha whisk originally originated in Takayama, a small mountain town in the Nara Perfecture, 500 years ago.
Black bamboo has a diameter of 2 to 3 cm and reaches a height of 3 to 5 meters. For the complex production process, only bamboo that has been aged for at least 2 years is used. To make the support, the inner layer is removed. The solid sheath is cut into 70 thin parts by hand. The thread that is attached at the end provides the necessary support.
Black bamboo is softer and more flexible than white, but its density makes carving more difficult and takes longer to produce than brooms made of white bamboo. The softness and flexibility of the whisk make it even easier to make thick foam.
The black bamboo brush is much more durable and long-lasting than other brushes in everyday use with the right care.
It is very light in the hand and provides a special experience in the preparation of matcha. It is essential for the traditional preparation of matcha tea.
Although there are a large number of very cheap Chasens on the market in mass sale and production due to the high demand and consumption of matcha, they are often of very low quality and may even contain toxic substances and preservatives. Often, fungicides and other toxic preparations are used due to faster growth.
Chasen is generally considered a consumable in the tea ceremony with the expectation that it will wear out over time and that we will have to replace it.
With proper care, this brush can last for several years.
Before each use, the whisk should be placed in hot water for 1 minute with the supports facing down. This prevents breakage when mixing, as bamboo is 20% stronger when wet. The matcha is stirred with a whisk with quick M- or W-shaped movements until a rich foam forms on top. Avoid pressing harder with the whisk on the bottom and edges of the bowl.
After use, the whisk should be washed under running clean water without the use of detergent. Shake off excess water and let the whisk dry with the holder down and the tines in the air or on the matcha whisk stand. Do not store a wet whisk in a box to prevent mold from forming in the handle.
If the tines have lost their shape during use, you can spread them out again and reshape them with the help of a whisk stand by placing a still wet brush on it.
It is not good to use the rack as a storage place all the time, but it is recommended to store the broom vertically without pressing on the tines.
