Grand Master Kurotake Takayama Chasen

Takayama is a city in Japan's Nara prefecture and is famous as the home of traditional chasen craftsmanship. Presently there are only 18 craftsmen left in Takayama, and only 15 are officially certified as traditional grandmasters by the Japanese government.

Becoming a grandmaster is no easy feat - one must remain in business making chasen for 20+ years in order to qualify for the exam to obtain grandmaster status. Even after having passed the exam, a grandmaster has to take the test every 5 years to retain their title. The majority of these grandmasters have come from long lineages of chasen-makers, passing down signature ways of making chasen from generation to generation. The Kubo family's history has at least 7 generations of chasen workmanship in Takayama.

Grandmasters typically can only make about 12 chasen a day. The bamboo (Kurotake, black bamboo) used for this special chasen must also be dried for a year before being carved.

Considering the intricacy and rarity of these chasen, we only receive about 25 units at a time. If you'd like to help preserve this art and elevate your matcha moment, make sure you purchase yours today!