Takayama Chasen Susudale Shin[煤竹 真] | SUIKAEN | Designed and Made in Japan

Susudake is literally "soot bamboo" — bamboo that has been stained over many decades and even centuries. These bamboo stalks were used in the ceilings of old thatched roof houses in ancient Japan. The stalks over and near the hearths of these houses were gradually stained, and as these houses were replaced, the bamboo were sold to tea whisk craftsman to be made into beautiful chasen whisks and chashaku scoops.

Each piece is handmade, so expect some variation from photos.

Rarity - Since these houses no longer exist, and the use of open fire to cook has been eliminated, the availability of this bamboo material is extremely limited, and will eventually disappear altogether.

Shin - "True" - this style of whisk does not have curled tips. Curled tips indicate that the whisk is new and prevent the tips from breaking off before use. Once the curled tips are uncurled by soaking in hot water, they should look the these "shin" whisks Leaving the tips uncurled as new whisks means they need to be handled with extra care. They are made to have approximately 70 prongs.

 

Width (handle): 1.8 cm
Height: 11.5 cm

*All measurements are approximate

 

 

About Chasen

The technology of Chasen (matcha whisk) making has been passed down for 500 years. From the raw material of a piece of harvested bamboo, it is still hand-made only by one knife and human manual work.