How is a chasen made?
A chasen is cut from one piece of bamboo. The upper part is split into many fine prongs, which are thinned and curled inwards to form a rounded head; the lower part stays whole as the handle. The bamboo is white bamboo, pale and natural, or purple bamboo, also called shichiku, a dark bamboo whose colour runs from deep brown to almost black.
What does a chasen's prong count mean?
The prong count is the main difference between one chasen and another. More prongs means thinner prongs and a finer, denser foam; fewer prongs means thicker, sturdier prongs that keep their shape longer. The Japanese names of the common cuts state the count: hachijuppondate (八十本立) means 80 prongs, hyappondate (百本立) 100 and hyakunijuppondate (百二十本立) 120.
| Cut | Prongs | Suits | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hachijuppondate | ≈ 80 | Everyday use, a sturdier whisk | GTG201004 |
| Hyappondate | ≈ 100 | The everyday standard | GTG201001 |
| Hyakunijuppondate | ≈ 120 | The finest foam | GTG201005 |
| Kazuho (数穂) | 72 outer | A traditional cut for thin matcha | GTG201006 |
| Shin (真) | 64 outer | A sturdy whisk with broad prongs | GTG201009 |
| Nodate (野点) | 60 outer | Travel and outdoor tea | GTG201008 |
Kazuho, shin and nodate are counted by their outer prongs, the ring visible from the side, so their figures are not like for like with the nominal counts in the other names.
How do you use a chasen?
A chasen is soaked, then used with a quick back-and-forth motion. Soak the prongs in warm water for about a minute so they soften and do not break. Whisk the matcha with a little water at 70–80 °C in an M or W motion, wrist low, until a fine foam forms; a circular motion presses the prongs against the bowl and wears them out.
How do you care for a chasen?
A chasen lasts longest when it dries in shape. Rinse it in warm water only, with no detergent, no sponge and no dishwasher, and stand it handle up on a whisk holder, called a kusenaoshi, so the prongs keep their rounded shape. Never store a wet chasen in a closed box: damp bamboo grows mould.
Buying chasen wholesale
We supply the chasen in fourteen models, compared in matcha tools. The 100-prong white chasen (GTG201001) has published wholesale prices, from €3.50 a piece at 25 pieces to €2.40 from 1,000 pieces. They ship wholesale from our warehouse in Poland, by courier across the EU, with no customs on your side; stock varies by model, and what is not in stock is made to order with the date in the quotation.