Kubo Sabun (Chikumeido): Urasenke Celebratory Takayama Susudake Chasen, Japan-made smoked bamboo matcha whisk 煤竹　祝茶筅（紅白）左文作　極上品

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.

Red colored thread - Red is a celebratory color in East Asian cultures.

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.