Chasen Cream No. 1 · White Bamboo, 64 Tines · Usucha

Pale natural bamboo · black thread · 64 fine straight tines · one of a kind

Pale, almost ivory bamboo bound in black thread, its head opening into a crisp sunburst of 64 fine, straight-drawn outer tines around a tightly curled core. Light and quick in the bowl — a chasen (matcha whisk) that raises a smooth, even foam on thin matcha (usucha). Comes in its original box bearing the Takayama traditional-craft seal.

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.