Matcha Whisk 茶筅

FAQ

Q: What material is a chasen made from?
A: Chasen are traditionally made from bamboo—this is even reflected in the character 「筅」, which includes the bamboo radical. However, not all bamboo is the same, and the material used affects the look, feel, and performance of the whisk.

The most common types of bamboo used are:

  • Shiratake Bamboo (白竹)
    Light in colour, easy to process, and widely available. This is the most affordable material and commonly used for beginner-level chasen.
  • Madake bamboo (金竹)
    A premium material distinguished by its warm golden hue and refined grain, madake bamboo is both more durable and aesthetically elegant than white bamboo—though naturally, it also comes at a higher cost.

The chasen we offer is crafted from mature madake bamboo grown for a minimum of five years, ensuring the density, strength, and flexibility essential for precise workmanship and lasting quality.

  • Smoked Bamboo (煤竹 | Susudake) and Purple Bamboo (紫竹 | Shichiku)
    These are rarer and typically used for decorative or higher-end ceremonial tools. They are more expensive and less common in everyday tea practice.
  • Synthetic Resin (PP Resin)
    Recently, some chasen have been made from food-safe polypropylene (PP) resin. While they may offer better hygiene and durability, they do not replicate the natural whisking feel or aesthetic of traditional bamboo tools.

Q: The number of prongs seems to differ from the product name. Why is that?
A: In traditional chasen classification, terms like “80-prong,” “100-prong,” or “120-prong” are approximate designations—not exact counts. The actual number of outer prongs (used for classification) typically falls within a range.
For example:

  • 80-prong (八十本立): usually 75–80 prongs
  • 100-prong (百本立): typically 81–95 prongs
  • 120-prong (百二十本立): around 96–120 prongs

This naming system is standardized by artisan guilds and follows long-standing conventions. The count refers specifically to the outer prongs (soto-ho), which form the visible tips of the whisk. Variations in prong number are normal and not considered defects.

Q: How does prong count affect a chasen’s performance?
A: In general:

  • A higher prong count produces finer, creamier foam, but the thinner tines may be less durable.
  • More prongs typically mean a slightly thicker handle, which may not suit all preferences.
  • That said, the quality of dispersion—ensuring matcha is evenly mixed—is the key requirement across all schools of tea. Only the Urasenke 裏千家 school emphasizes a thick, foamy surface; Omotesenke 表千家 and Mushanokoji-senke 武者小路千家 do not.

While more prongs can increase fragility, this is only true when craftsmanship is equal. A well-made, high-prong chasen by a skilled artisan can outlast a lower-prong version of lesser quality.

Ultimately, handle thickness and foam preference vary by user, but higher prong counts offer better dispersion and are often preferred for modern matcha preparation.