Vintage Takayama Matcha Whisk (Chasen), 80 Prongs — Inoue Wakasa, Original Case

This bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) was made by Inoue Wakasa in Takayama, Ikoma (Nara Prefecture), the historic centre of Japanese chasen-making, where whisks are still split and shaped by hand from a single section of bamboo. The case label reads 八拾本立 (hachijuppon-date), meaning "80-prong," and describes the maker as "highest in traditional technique in the field," the kind of craft-pride wording found on older Japanese packaging.

An 80-prong whisk sits between the standard 64-prong type and the very fine 100-plus types. More, thinner tines produce a finer, smoother foam, which makes this count well suited to usucha (thin tea). The construction shows the classic Takayama form: the outer tines curl evenly outward, while the inner tines are gathered into a tight centre knot, held in place by black cotton thread woven around the base. The handle keeps its natural bamboo node.

Details:

• Origin: Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan, by Inoue Wakasa (井上若狭)

• Type: Chasen (matcha whisk), 80 prongs (八拾本立)
• Material: Natural bamboo, black thread binding
• Shape: Evenly curled outer tines, gathered inner tines, natural node on handle
• Comes with: Original clear storage case with maker's labels and green base insert
• Condition: Tines intact with well-kept curl and no visible tea staining (please see photos). Case labels show small tears and the case has light surface marks