KUBO SABUN
Handmade Long-Handled Chasen
Description
This matcha whisk (chasen) is handmade using dark bamboo. With its long handle, it was designed to be used like a cocktail muddler. Its original design makes it perfect to use to prepare matcha in a mug cup, but also suitable to stir and whisk any kind of other powder tea, like powdered houjicha, or even coffee and black tea.
Made in Takayama (Nara prefecture) by Kubo Masaki, the 24th generation of a chasen-making family, and recognized as National Living Treasure for his skills.
Origin
100% handmade bamboo whisk from Takayama (Japan)
Use
For whisking matcha, houjicha powder, koucha, coffee
Quality and Type
Dark bamboo
Dimensions:
H: 14 cm, diameter: 4 cm
Use instructions
Handmade whisks are more fragile than those made in a factory because the bristles are much thinner. To avoid bending the bristles and breaking the chasen, don't press the tip of the chasen against the bottom of the bowl.
Learn all you need to know about how to use a handmade chasen to prepare matcha with our tea instructor, Yuka san!
Instructions
Before using a chasen for the first time, let it set in hot water for 10 minutes in your matcha bowl, head down. Only dip half of the hosaki, the strings of the chasen, in the water.
Afterward, wet the chasen a little before every use to soften the bristles for making more foam and prevent damaging them.
Cleaning
Rinse your matcha whisk carefully by whisking it in clear hot water in the same bowl you used for preparing your matcha. Running water is acceptable but only if the flow is light, to avoid damaging the strings. If needed, use your fingers to gently remove remaining matcha.
Do not let the bamboo sit in water as it will damage the whisk. Do not put your matcha whisk in the dishwasher, dryer or use any dish soap!
Afterward, store your chasen either strings facing up (never directly in contact with a surface), or better yet, use a chasen holder (kusenaoshi) that will allow the bristles to dry and keep their shape.
Artist Information
KUBO MASAKI
Kubo san was born into a matcha whisk family and has devoted his life to chasen making. His craftsmanship has a long history and has been passed on from generation to generation in his family. He was recognized as a traditional master craftsman by the Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan in 1987, and was awarded "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette" in the autumn of 2015.