Christmas Edition White Bamboo Chasen by Suikaen Yasaburo

This Christmas Edition Chasen is a refined Japanese matcha whisk crafted from rare Shiradake 真白竹 white bamboo and finished with a festive red and green binding thread. Elegant yet functional, it is designed to create smooth, even foam while adding a subtle seasonal touch to your matcha ritual.

Handcrafted in Takayama, Nara Prefecture, this chasen is made by Suikaen 翠華園, the atelier of master bamboo whisk craftsman Tanimura Yasaburo 谷村弥三郎. Takayama is internationally recognized as the birthplace of Japanese chasen making, with a history spanning over five centuries.

The roots of Suikaen trace back to the golden age of Chanoyu, when Tea Master Sen no Rikyu prepared matcha for Oda Nobunaga, the most powerful military leader of 16th century Japan. During this period, the techniques and standards of chasen craftsmanship were refined and passed down through generations.

At Suikaen, a chasen is created through a process measured in years rather than months. The knowledge inherited by the Tanimura family encompasses every stage of production, from the selection and cultivation of bamboo, to its natural aging and drying over two to three years, and finally to the careful hand crafting of each whisk.

Today, while remaining deeply rooted in tradition, Suikaen continues to evolve. Alongside Tanimura-sensei, his son Keiichiro and his wife explore ways to adapt this centuries-old craft to modern tea practice, ensuring its relevance in a rapidly changing world.

Why we love it

• Made from genuine Shiradake white bamboo, prized for its purity and refined appearance
• Handcrafted in Nara Takayama, the historic center of chasen making
• Balanced tines designed for smooth, consistent foam when preparing usucha
• Festive red and green thread ideal for winter and holiday gifting
• Presented in a traditional Japanese presentation box

Product details

• Type: Matcha whisk (Chasen 茶筅)
• Material: White bamboo (Shiradake 真白竹)
• Origin: Takayama, Nara Prefecture, Japan
• Finish: Red and green binding thread
• Packaging: Japanese gift box

Care instructions

• Before first use, soak the whisk tips in warm water to soften the bamboo
• Rinse gently with water after each use
• Allow to air dry completely, ideally on a whisk stand
• Avoid dishwashers and detergents