100-Bristle Matcha Whisk (Chasen) – Bamboo Tool for Frothy Usucha

Create a smooth, creamy bowl of matcha with this 100-bristle bamboo whisk, traditionally known in Japanese as a chasen (百本立). With a higher bristle count than standard 70-bristle versions, this chasen makes it easier to produce a delicate microfoam that enhances the texture and mouthfeel of usucha (thin tea). It is a practical choice for both everyday matcha preparation and more formal settings.

Each whisk is shaped from a single piece of bamboo, with the bristles cut and curled to form its signature bloom. The dense bristle arrangement allows for gentle yet efficient whisking, helping to reduce large bubbles and create a more stable froth. Historically reserved for nobility, the 100-bristle chasen also carries symbolic meaning—it suggests humility and the desire to refine one's tea-making skill.

This whisk is machine-crafted, offering consistency and accessibility for matcha drinkers at any level. For those seeking a more traditional, artisan-crafted experience, we also offer a Rikyu-style chasen made in Japan using lighter, aged bamboo.

Key Features:

• 100 bamboo bristles for silky froth and smooth usucha

• Ideal for whisking thin matcha with minimal bubbles

• Traditional Japanese chasen design (百本立)

• Includes clear plastic storage case

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

• Made from natural bamboo – handle with care in dry climates

Note: Colour and grain may vary due to natural bamboo materials.

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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.