Vintage Japanese Matcha Large Decorative Whisk, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-691

Japanese Chasen Matcha Whisk | Tea Ceremony Tool & Wabi-Sabi Decor Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-691

A large-format handcrafted bamboo chasen of exceptional sculptural presence -- an enduring icon of the Japanese chado tradition.

A chasen is a traditional Japanese bamboo whisk used in chado -- the Way of Tea -- to blend powdered matcha with hot water into a smooth, frothy bowl of tea. Crafted from a single section of bamboo, each chasen is painstakingly split and shaped by hand into dozens of fine, flexible tines that radiate outward in a graceful flared crown. This example is notably large in scale and shows the warm honey-amber patina characteristic of aged bamboo, with the tines divided into inner and outer rows in the classic style used for thick koicha preparations. A woven purple thread collar -- knotted with a small hanging tassel -- binds the tines to the handle with precise, even tension, a detail that reflects the care of skilled Japanese craft. The solid cylindrical bamboo handle retains its natural node ring, giving the piece its characteristic segmented form. As a piece of vintage Japanese teaware, it is a genuine artifact of the post-war period when chado practice flourished widely across Japan.

Today, this large chasen makes a striking living room accent or kitchen decor piece in any home that leans toward Japandi style or the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Displayed upright on a shelf, windowsill, or tea tray, its sculptural silhouette draws the eye and sparks conversation. It would also pair beautifully with a chawan (tea bowl) and natsume (tea caddy) as part of a curated Japanese antique vignette. For the collector or the matcha enthusiast, it is a meaningful and unique gift -- a beautiful reminder of Japan's most meditative daily ritual.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Bamboo; purple woven thread binding with tassel
• Use: Whisking powdered matcha in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado)
• Modern Use: Living room or kitchen decor accent; display piece in a Japanese antique vignette; unique gift for tea lovers or Japanophiles
• Features: Large-scale form carved from a single bamboo section; multiple fine split tines in inner and outer rows; flared crown profile; woven purple thread collar with hanging tassel; natural bamboo node visible on handle; warm amber patina throughout
• Dimensions: 7" Diameter x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese craft -- this handcrafted chasen brings the quiet beauty of the tea ceremony tradition into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.