Chasen No. 112 · White Thread, 70 Tines · Usucha

Pale natural bamboo · white thread · fine, curled head · one of a kind

Warm-toned pale (white) bamboo bound in crisp white thread, with a dense head of around 70 fine, inward-curling outer tines. It makes light work of a smooth usucha (thin matcha), the white binding giving it a clean, classic look.

Hand-cut and tied from a single piece of bamboo in Takayama, Nara — the district that makes more than 90% of Japan's chasen, where fewer than twenty artisans still practise the craft. From one of four independent makers we work with; out of respect for them, we don't share names or workshops. One of a kind — we have only this piece.

Care: rest on a whisk holder (kusenaoki) to keep its shape, rinse in warm water only, and air-dry. Never soak or machine-wash.