Takayama Chasen: The Art of Japanese Tea Whisks

A Legacy of Over 500 Years

The chasen, or tea whisk, has been an essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony for more than 530 years. The Tanimura family has been crafting these whisks in Takayama, Japan, for over 500 years, passing down their knowledge and techniques through 25 generations. The tools and methods used today remain unchanged, preserving the authenticity of traditional chasen making.

Unlike mass-produced chasen, each whisk is made entirely from Japanese bamboo, without the use of chemicals. This ensures a natural, safe, and high-quality product that embodies the soul of Japanese tea culture.

Exquisite Craftsmanship

Each Takayama Chasen is meticulously hand-carved from a single piece of bamboo, ensuring durability and precision. The fine prongs are carefully shaped to create the ideal texture for whisking matcha into a smooth, frothy consistency. The craftsmanship results in a chasen that feels light and natural in hand, offering superior performance compared to mass-produced alternatives.

A Certified Traditional Craft

Takayama Chasen originated in the late Muromachi period (1333-1573), when Takayama Sosetsu, the second son of the lord of Takayama Castle, was commissioned to create a bamboo whisk suitable for the evolving Japanese tea ceremony. The skill of chasen-making was passed down through 16 retainers and has been carefully preserved to this day.

Today, Yasaburo Tanimura, a 25th-generation craftsman and certified traditional artisan, continues this legacy. His dedication to the craft ensures that each whisk is made with precision, honoring centuries of history while meeting the demands of modern tea enthusiasts.