Chasen No. 102 — Dark Bamboo Matcha Whisk, Handmade in Nara

Handmade in Takayama, Nara · naturally dark bamboo (kurotake) · black-thread binding · one of a kind

A single length of naturally dark bamboo — kurotake, prized for its deep, smoke-free colour — split entirely by hand into 48 fine outer tines around a curled inner core and bound in black thread. This is a chasen (matcha whisk) made the way it has been for five centuries in Takayama, the district in Nara that produces more than 90% of Japan's handmade whisks. Fewer than twenty artisans there still work at this level, and this whisk is the work of one of them.

The 48-tine head is a true all-rounder: fine enough to raise a smooth, even foam on thin matcha (usucha), yet sturdy enough to knead a thick koicha. Because it is cut, split, and tied entirely by hand, no two are ever quite alike — the small irregularities are the maker's signature, not a flaw.

Out of respect for our makers, we don't share their names or workshops — only that this piece comes from Nara, from one of four independent artisans we work with. We have just one of this whisk.

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