A chasen (tea whisk) is an essential tool in the art of matcha. Carved from a single piece of bamboo, this delicate instrument embodies not only craftsmanship but also the quiet spirit of Japanese aesthetics — where beauty and intention merge through human hands.

The Number of Tines — The Meaning Behind “80,” “100,” and “120”

The character of a chasen changes with the number of tines (or “ho”). This number determines the type of foam and the feel of the tea.

  • 80 tines – The most common type, with thicker, more elastic tines that produce a strong, fluffy foam. Ideal for daily use and those who enjoy a frothy bowl.

  • 100 tines – Finer and more flexible, designed for smooth, silky foam. Favored by experienced practitioners.

  • 120–150 tines – A highly delicate type requiring advanced craftsmanship. Creates ultra-fine, elegant bubbles and an aesthetically refined appearance.

More tines mean finer foam and softer texture but less durability. Fewer tines give stronger whisking power and a robust feel — the perfect choice depends on the experience you wish to create.

Shapes and Styles — “Shin,” “Araho,” and “Inaho”

The form of a chasen also changes its expression:

  • Shin (True Form): Balanced and symmetrical, suitable for any tea school — the most classic shape.

  • Araho (Rough Form): Outer tines are longer, creating lighter froth ideal for usucha (thin tea).

  • Inaho (Rice-Ear Form): Gracefully curved like a ripened ear of rice, offering a soft, elegant impression.

  • Kazuho (Multi-Tine Form): Extremely fine tines for demonstration or ceremonial use, creating the most delicate foam.

Beyond function, these shapes serve as living art — instruments that enrich the ritual beauty of the tea ceremony.

“B-grade” Chasen — The Hidden Story Behind Imperfections

In the market, you may find “B-grade” or “outlet” chasen. These typically appear due to:

  • Natural blemishes such as color variation or bamboo nodes.

  • Improper drying or poor bamboo selection, making them prone to cracking.

  • Mass-produced imports from abroad sold in “Japanese-style” packaging.

Though affordable, such whisks differ in foam quality, durability, and bamboo aroma. To experience authentic matcha, a hand-crafted chasen from Takayama, made by skilled artisans, remains unmatched.

White Bamboo and Black Bamboo — The Sound and Spirit Within

Chasen are generally made from white bamboo or black bamboo.

-White bamboo: Sun-dried from fresh green bamboo, offering purity and lightness. Ideal for beginners with its flexibility and clean look.

-Black bamboo: Matured for several years in cold climates, giving it strength and a deeper tone. It yields a fine, silk-like foam and a rich texture that tea masters describe as “the breath of bamboo.”

Origins — The 15th-Century Birth of a Japanese Craft

The history of chasen dates back to the Muromachi period (15th century) in Takayama, Nara — still known as the “village of chasen.”
As tea masters like Murata Jukō and Sen no Rikyū refined the aesthetics of wabi-cha, the modern chasen was born. Each whisk is meticulously hand-split from a single bamboo stalk — a process requiring dozens of delicate steps.
Every Takayama chasen reflects the unique nature of its bamboo, the artisan’s rhythm, and the dialogue between human and nature.

Japan vs. Overseas — The Subtle Difference in Foam

Today, many chasen are mass-produced in China or Korea. While similar in appearance, their foam differs drastically. Japanese chasen create fine, velvety microfoam, while foreign-made ones tend to produce larger, coarse bubbles. This difference comes from drying methods and the angle of each tine. Japanese artisans carefully preserve natural oils in the bamboo, making it supple and long-lasting. For tea connoisseurs, this precision translates into harmony, depth, and peace in every cup.

The Ritual of Care — Before and After Use

A chasen comes to life through care:

  • Soak it in warm water for about 30 seconds before use to soften the tines.

  • Rinse gently with warm water afterward — never use soap.

  • Let it dry naturally on a whisk stand (chasen-naoshi) to preserve its shape.

As the tines gradually open with use, they mirror the softening of the heart — the essence of Japanese aesthetics living within a single bamboo.

Richly Matcha × Chasen

At Richly Matcha, we collaborate with master artisans in Takayama, Nara — where chasen-making has been preserved for over five centuries. Each whisk is hand-carved from a single bamboo stalk and paired with a custom thread color inspired by the Richly Matcha world. Through this collaboration, we honor the harmony between nature and human touch — bringing out the most beautiful flavor, aroma, and foam from every bowl of matcha.