Chasen No. 116 · White Bamboo, 80 Tines · Usucha

Pale natural bamboo · black thread · around 80 fine, curled tines · one of a kind

Pale (white) bamboo bound in black thread, with a dense dome of around 80 fine outer tines, each rolled into a tight curl at the tip. That curl is what softens the stroke and lifts a fine, even crema — a classic everyday chasen (matcha whisk) for thin matcha (usucha).

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.