Collection: bamboo whisk "chasen"

Takayama-cho, Nara Prefecture
Chikumei-do / Suikaien　

HISTORY OF TAKAYAMA CHASEN 

In 1975 tea whisk making was designated a traditional craft of Japan. Nearly every tea whisk used in the tea ceremony in Japan is created in the Takayama region of Ikoma city in Nara prefecture - accounting for approximately 90% of domestic production

The tea whisk, or chasen in Japanese, is one of the most important tools needed for the tea ceremony. It is used to mix the green tea match powder with hot water. The shape and fine needles of the tea whisk are needed to optimally mix air into the green tea, adding sweetness and creating a pleasant looking foam on the surface of the tea.

Chasen making in the Takayama area is a traditional industry that dates back to the Muromachi period (1336-1573). Legend has it that a priest Murata Juko, a Nara local credited as the developer of the Japanese tea ceremony, asked his friend, Takayama Sosetsu, the son of the lord of Takayama Castle, to craft a tool to stir the water of his tea. And so it was that Takayama Sosetsu created the first chansen bamboo tea whisk.


Many details are lost to history, but we do know that some tea whisks were presented to the Emperor of the time, Go - Tsuchi Mikado, who was delighted by them. The lord of Takayama Castle from then on, entrusted the production of the whisks to his vassals, who swore an oath to keep the crafting process a secret. To help maintain secrecy, the vassals would make the whisks only during the night after finishing their regular daily tasks.

The custom of crafting the whisks at night is still going on in some workshops today and keeping the method a secret is also regarded with great importance, leading to the passing of the knowledge being largely restricted to father and son

 

Chasen traces its origin to Takayama, Ikoma, Nara Prefecture, during the Muromachi Period approximately 500 years ago. It is said that Murata Juko, a tea artisan known as the founder of wabicha, asked Sozei to make a tea whisk appropriate for chado. The result was the Takayama Chasen,which was then presented to the Emperor, who was highly pleased with the product and bestowed it with the name “ Takaho” along with words of praise. Deeply moved, Sozei dedicated himself to the art and technical improvement of chasen. The crafting techniques have since been passed down from generation to generation.

A skilled chasen craftsman handcrafts each piece, resulting in an exquisite chasen. It is said that there are only about 18 chasen craftsmen in Japan today.

The Takayama chasen, renowned for their superior quality, is noted for their flexibility and ability to whisk fine and smooth matcha. Each chasen is meticulously crafted for durability, ensuring a lasting quality over time.