Japanese Takayama Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Chasen) by Inoue Wakasa - 80 prong.

About the maker
Wakasa Inoue has been officially recognised as a master craftsman for traditional arts by the Japanese government. He started his apprenticeship in 1973 before succeeding the family business making traditional Japanese Chasen for the tea ceremony. His work is to be found in the prestigious Takashima department store in Tokyo and is recognised even among his peers for its high quality.

Takayama Whisks
All the whisks are made to order with only a limited supply available to us at Ocha & Co. Takayama in Nara Prefecture has a long history of Chasen or Tea Whisk production going back over 500 hundred years and the introduction of the tea ceremony into Japan. It is one of the only areas in Japan where Chasen are still made in the traditional way.

Did you know?
Three types of Bamboo are used in making whisks. 2-3 year old bamboo is cut during the winter months, processed to take out the natural oils and then sun dried outside, before being turned into whisks. Piles of bamboo sticks being dried are a common sight in the Takayama region.