Susudake - Smoked Bamboo

Susudake is literally "soot bamboo" — bamboo that has been stained over many decades and even centuries. These bamboo stalks were used in the ceilings of old thatched roof houses in ancient Japan. The stalks over and near the hearths of these houses were gradually stained, and as these houses were replaced, the bamboo were sold to tea whisk craftsman to be made into beautiful chasen whisks and chashaku scoops.

Each piece is handmade, so expect some variation from photos.

Rarity - Since these houses no longer exist, and the use of open fire to cook has been eliminated, the availability of this bamboo material is extremely limited, and will eventually disappear altogether.

Shin - "True" - this style of whisk does not have curled tips. Curled tips indicate that the whisk is new and prevent the tips from breaking off before use. Once the curled tips are uncurled by soaking in hot water, they should look the these "shin" whisks Leaving the tips uncurled as new whisks means they need to be handled with extra care. They are made to have approximately 70 prongs.

Made in Takayama

Japanese handmade bamboo whisk or chasen are made in Takayama, the historical home of matcha whisks with roots tracing back five centuries. About 90% of all tea whisks (chasen) in Japan are made in this area.

Suikaen in Takayama traces its roots back to the 16th century and is one of a few studios preserving the tradition of whisk crafting. The head of the studio is its 25th generation master craftsman Tanimura Yasuburo.

Product info

Dimensions:

Width (handle): 1.8 cm
Height: 11.5 cm
*All measurements are approximate

When you first use...

The Chasen is glued with the paper box with glue made from kneaded rice. To take out the Chasen from the box, please hold the handle and peel it off slowly. Next, use a wet cloth to wipe the bottom of the handle. Before you start using, please gently soak it in hot water to prevent the prongs from snapping off.

Due to movement during transport, it is possible that the base may become unstuck to the box.

Care & Precautions:

• The tip of Chasen may break if it is pressed hardly against the bottom of tea bowl. Please use the Chasen gently so that it can last longer.
• Please refrain from using a dishwasher or dryer as sudden change in temperature and humidity may cause cracking.
• After use, please rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly before storing it.
• Please refrain from storing at places of high temperature, high humidity, extremely dry area and direct sunlight. Recommended humidity for storage: 45-60%
• The natural drying process may cause vertical cracks in the handle, however, please enjoy the change in expression and texture as part of the natural bamboo's original taste.