Curious About the Bamboo Whisk? Discover the Art of Crafting a Chasen in 18 Steps

Now that you know what a bamboo whisk (chasen) is, have you ever wondered how it's made? The creation of a chasen is a meticulous process that involves 18 intricate steps, each contributing to the beauty and functionality of this essential tea tool.

The chasen is not just a tool for whisking matcha; it's a work of art with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It was brought to Japan along with the Jingshan tea ceremony, becoming an integral part of Japanese tea culture.

We are privileged to share the detailed process of crafting a chasen, as captured by master craftsman Chen Jinxin, a recognized intangible cultural heritage bearer from Yuhang District. The making of a chasen is a true testament to precision and craftsmanship.

The 18-Step Process of Crafting a Chasen:

1. Material Selection: Choose bamboo that is both beautiful and strong, then store it in a dry, ventilated place for three years.

2. Cutting: Cut the bamboo to the required length for the whisk.

3. Scraping: Remove the green outer layer of the bamboo.

4. Binding: Bind the bamboo near the node with hemp rope to facilitate the next steps.

5. Slicing: Use a blade to hollow out the innermost layer of the bamboo.

6. Splitting: Evenly split the bamboo into several sections.

7. Separating: Separate the green part from the inner pith of the bamboo.

8. Extracting the Pith: Remove the inner pith of the bamboo.

9. Slicing the Strands: Further slice the split bamboo into fine strands.

10. Shaving: Shave off any remaining inner pith.

11. Thinning: Thin the bamboo strands by scraping them again.

12. Separating the Strands: Carefully separate each strand.

13. Bending: Bend the strands to shape them.

14. Dividing: Separate the bent strands into inner and outer layers.

15. Smoothing: Smooth the base of the strands with a tool.

16. Tying the Core: Twist the inner strands together to form a flower-like core.

17. Binding: Use dark blue thread to bind the base of each strand together.

18. Shaping: Finally, shape the strands to ensure they are parallel and evenly spaced.

In the skilled hands of Chen Jinxin, a simple bamboo tube is transformed into a delicate, exquisite chasen. This process, refined over years of practice, results in a tool that is both beautiful and functional—a true representation of traditional craftsmanship.

Photography by Jingshan Niuniu