Origami

Origami Matcha Whisk

€25,00

Origami

Origami Matcha Whisk

€25,00
  • Description
  • Specification
  • Matcha Whisk 茶筅
  • Shipping & Returns

Traditional Utensil for Matcha Preparation

This handcrafted bamboo Chasen is designed for whisking matcha to a smooth, airy consistency, with each piece showcasing unique texture and pattern.

This traditional utensil is used for preparing matcha, particularly in the Japanese tea ceremony. Each Chasen is handcrafted from a single piece of natural bamboo, featuring delicate prongs. Due to the handmade nature, each whisk exhibits unique variations in texture and pattern. Designed for whisking matcha to a smooth, airy consistency, this bamboo whisk ensures an authentic and refined matcha preparation experience.

Made of madake bamboo (金竹), a strong, fine-grained variety known for its resilience and smooth finish. Harvested after five years of natural growth, it offers the ideal balance of strength, flexibility, and visual refinement.

  • Handcrafted from a single piece of natural bamboo.
  • Designed to whisk matcha to a smooth, airy consistency.
  • Delicate prongs for whisking
  • Perfectly fits with Origami Matcha Whisk Stand
  • Made of madake bamboo

Product Features:

As this item is crafted from natural bamboo, individual variations in color, shape, and node patterns may occur. Each whisk is handmade, so dimensions and weight may vary slightly from piece to piece. The actual product may differ slightly from the images shown.

Handling & Care

  • Before First Use: Soak the chasen briefly in cold water, then warm water to soften the prongs and prepare it for use.
  • After Use: Rinse gently with water (do not use soap or dishwashing detergent), and shake off excess water. Allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded area. Using a chasen kusenaoshi (Origami Matcha Whisk Stand) helps maintain its original shape.

Storage Tips:

  • At other times, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity fluctuations.

Important Notes:

  • The whisk head may straighten or appear slightly deformed after its first use—this is a natural reaction of the bamboo and not a defect.
  • Do not use the chasen in boiling water, as high temperatures can cause significant warping or cracking.
  • As this is a consumable item, please discontinue use once the prongs begin to break.
  • We kindly ask for your understanding that used items cannot be returned.

  • Materials: madake bamboo (金竹)
  • Made in China
  • Model: T8142002
  • Size: Φ60×H40mm, small hole 13mm, large hole 38mm (Note: As each item is handmade, slight variations are to be expected.)
  • Product weight: approx. 60g ( ±4g)
  • Care Instructions: Please gently hand wash after each use and place the Chasen on the Origami Matcha Whisk Stand to maintain its shape.

The plastics case is not for storage. Please note that putting in without drying may cause mold.

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.

Shipping

Please note that our shipping days are limited to Monday through Friday, excluding holidays which fall on Saturday and Sunday.

For orders placed outside of the European Union, the prices listed are exclusive of VAT. The Brexit Transition Period officially ended on December 31, 2020, resulting in new regulations governing sales between the United Kingdom and the European Union as of January 1, 2021. The United Kingdom is no longer considered part of the EU region, and therefore, orders from the UK will be subject to pricing exclusive of VAT.

Please be aware that any customs duties that may arise in your respective country will be your responsibility.

Domestic shipping (Netherlands): 

Delivery within 1-2 business days. 

International shipping (Europe):

Delivery within 1-5 business days.*

*Delivery times depend on the destination.

International shipping (US/CA):

Delivery within 4-14 business days.

Returns

Within the EU, you can return any order* within 14 days (14-day cooling-off period) without providing a reason, and you will receive a full refund, inclusive of the shipping cost to an EU destination.

Beyond the initial 14 days, you may typically request a partial or potentially full refund. Our return policy spans 30 days, accounting for holidays. Please note that shipping costs will not be refunded in such cases after 14-day cooling-off period.

If 30 days have passed since your purchase, regrettably, we cannot offer a refund or exchange.

*To be eligible for a return, the item must be unused and in the same condition as received, including its original packaging.

The seller will cover the cost of return postage only if the item is damaged, faulty, or doesn't match the listing description.

For other reasons, the buyer is responsible for returning the product at their expense.


Kindly note that certain goods, such as perishable items like food and coffee beans, are exempt from return.

We reserve the right to decline any requests for exchanges or returns.