Vintage item never used. A Japanese bamboo tea whisk, known as a Chasen (茶筅 / ちゃせん). It is handcrafted in Takayama Town (高山町), Ikoma City (生駒市), Nara Prefecture (奈良県) the birthplace of chasen-making, where artisans have been producing whisks for over 500 years.
Yasaburō Tanimura is a master bamboo whisk (chasen) craftsman based in Takayama. He leads Suikaen (翠華園 / 翠華園谷村彌三郎商店), a workshop (or atelier) dedicated to producing high-quality Takayama-style chasen.
The Tanimura family has been making chasen in Takayama for centuries. The process of chasen making in his workshop follows longstanding tradition: from bamboo harvesting, boiling, drying in cold winter air, aging, then splitting and carving. The climate in Takayama (cold, dry winters) is considered ideal for bamboo that will yield strong, resilient chasen tines.
This particular whisk is the work of Master Chasen Craftsman Yasaburō Tanimura (茶筅師 谷村彌三), from the distinguished brand Suikaen (翠華園), which is known for preserving the traditional methods of Takayama Chasen production. Each whisk is carefully carved from a single piece of bamboo and split into delicate prongs, designed to create a fine froth when preparing matcha.
Item never used but the washi paper seal on the bottom has detached due to aging.
Size; 5 x 5 x 12cm
6 x 6 x 12cm (Box)
