Traditional Japanese tea whisk crafted from lighter bamboo

Refine your matcha experience with this 64-bristle Rikyu-style matcha whisk (chasen 利休茶筅), made in Japan using carefully selected, aged bamboo. Named in honour of Sen no Rikyu, the revered tea master who shaped the foundations of Japanese tea ceremony, this whisk blends timeless craftsmanship with everyday versatility.

With fewer, slightly thicker bristles than 100- or 120-bristle chasen, this style offers enhanced durability and control, while still producing a smooth and stable froth. The charred bamboo exterior, slim handle, and lightweight structure make it as beautiful as it is functional—perfect for both formal chanoyu and modern daily use.

Each whisk is individually carved by skilled artisans in Japan, preserving the integrity of traditional chasen-making techniques. Its balanced design makes it suitable for whisking both usucha (thin tea) and koicha (thick tea), ideal for those who appreciate the nuance and heritage of true Japanese tea culture.

In contrast to mass-produced whisks, this artisan-crafted chasen embodies authenticity and respect for ritual—making it a meaningful addition to any matcha practice.

Key Features:

• 64-bristle traditional Rikyu-style matcha whisk (chasen)

• Made in Japan using lighter bamboo

• Suitable for both usucha and koicha preparation

• Charred finish and slim handle for refined aesthetics

• Dimensions: 5.5 × 2.2 × 11 cm / 2.2 × 0.9 × 4.3 in

• Includes a protective plastic case

• Susceptible to cracking in dry environments – store with care

Note: Due to the natural characteristics of bamboo, colour and grain may vary slightly from the photo.

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Directions

Wet the tip of the bamboo bristles with water before each use, prior to whisking.  It prevents breakage during whisking because water makes the bamboo bristles more flexible and strong.

The handle can also develop a thin hairline crack due to dry conditions.  It is not uncommon for bamboo to crack in dry conditions; this is simply a natural characteristic of bamboo.  Even if the handle develops a thin hairline crack, it should not affect the usability.  We recommend you continue to use the whisk as long as it is usable.

Bamboo bristle tips are strongly curled before use.  The tips will usually uncurl after the first or second use; this is quite normal and expected.

Tips for whisking

When you prepare Matcha, first, whisk slowly over the entire bottom inside of the Matcha Bowl, so that the Chasen bamboo bristle tips touch the bottom inside of the Matcha Bowl.  Then quickly whisk the upper half of the Matcha brew, moving the bamboo Chasen quickly like writing the letter "W."  This method creates a nice frothy lather and helps to improve the shelf life of the bamboo Chasen.

Whisk Guide

The "Number" represents the approximate number of prongs.  The more prongs, the more froth or foam it produces.  This, however is not an indication of better quality as some Japanese schools of tea ceremony frown upon froth.  Urasenke, the biggest school of tea ceremony, teaches that an even level of froth is desirable.  This has become standard among non-practitioners.

Shape:  The shape of this whisk is made according to Urasenke standards with the tips of the prongs curled inward.