Suikaen (翠華園), led by master craftsman Tanimura Yasuburo in Takayama, Nara, has been crafting bamboo whisks for over five centuries, tracing back to Tea Master Sen no Rikyu’s era. From bamboo growth to natural drying and handcrafting, the Tanimura family preserves this rich tradition while exploring ways to adapt it for the modern world.
Before you use:
The Chasen is affixed to its paper box using a rice-based adhesive. To remove the Chasen, gently grasp the handle and peel it away from the box with care. Afterward, take a damp cloth to clean the underside of the handle.
Important: Before using the Chasen, it’s advisable to briefly soak it in hot water to help prevent the delicate prongs from breaking.
Please note that the base may detach from the box during transportation due to movement.
Care Instructions & Precautions:
The tips of the Chasen are fragile and may break if pressed forcefully against the bottom of the tea bowl.
Avoid using dishwashers or dryers, as sudden temperature and humidity changes can lead to cracks. After use, rinse the Chasen with water and make sure to dry it completely before storing it.
Store the Chasen in a location that avoids extreme temperatures, high humidity, dry conditions, and direct sunlight. The ideal humidity for storage is between 45-60%. Natural drying may result in vertical cracks in the handle, which can be appreciated as a unique feature of the bamboo's natural character.
