Chasen No. 118 · Dark Kurotake, 54 Tines · Koicha

Naturally dark (kurotake) bamboo · black thread · around 54 sturdy straight tines · one of a kind

Naturally dark black bamboo (kurotake) with around 54 straight, sturdy outer tines, set wide apart in a clean open sunburst. The lower count and heavier gauge are deliberate: this is a whisk built to knead a thick koicha without splaying. Arrives in its wooden presentation box.

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.