This kurotake (黒竹) dark bamboo chasen (matcha whisk) is made in the Kankyū-an (官休庵) style in Takayama, Nara by Chikukaen (竹華園).

Kankyū-an (官休庵) is the name of the central tea house of the Mushanōkoji-senke (武者小路千家) school of Japanese tea ceremony, which is the third largest after Urasenke and Omotesenke (which together form the 'san-senke').

This school prefers an older style of tea whisk with straight tines, lacking the subtle curve found in the more popular shin shape. In line with the aesthetic principles of the school, this style of chasen is not designed to make foamy usucha, but instead makes what is known in English as 'pond-style' matcha, with a very thin, incomplete layer of foam. 

Unlike mass-produced matcha whisks, these chasen are entirely handmade, without the use of machines or chemicals to expedite the bamboo growing, drying, or shaping processes, requiring immense time and skill to craft. As such, Takayama chasen have finer, more flexible tines and a greater attention to detail, which not only makes them more beautiful, but also easier and more enjoyable to use and more durable in the long run.

After use, be sure to clean your chasen by whisking it in a bowl of water or running it under the tap, using your fingers or a cloth to remove any matcha that has stuck to the tines. Avoid soaps as these can damage the porous bamboo. Stand the whisk up and let it air dry thoroughly. This will ensure that the tines keep their shape longer and prevents mold growth. To further reshape the tines, you can use a kusenaoshi, or matcha whisk shaper.

Due to the organic nature of bamboo and handmade teaware, there may be slight variations in size, capacity, and appearance. 

Also note: this style of chasen is not designed to make foamy usucha

Dimensions:

5.7cm (2.2in) - width
11.6cm (4.6in) - height

Condition: New

This Japanese item ships from the United States.