Kuboさん x Ooika Collab Takayama Black Bamboo Chasen (80 Tines 本立)
A limited-edition Ooika X Kuboさん custom Black Bamboo Chasen featuring Ooika black & white colored threads. Designated Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Traditional Craft Product - Yamato Takayama Chasen
Please note that each Chasen (本立) is handmade; thus, every piece will have minor differences from the photo.
A limited-edition Ooika X Kuboさん custom Black Bamboo Chasen featuring Ooika black & white colored threads. Designated Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Traditional Craft Product - Yamato Takayama Chasen
Please note that each Chasen (本立) is handmade; thus, every piece will have minor differences from the photo.
A limited-edition Ooika X Kuboさん custom Black Bamboo Chasen featuring Ooika black & white colored threads. Designated Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Traditional Craft Product - Yamato Takayama Chasen
Please note that each Chasen (本立) is handmade; thus, every piece will have minor differences from the photo.
About this Chasen
A Matcha whisking tool, known as a Chasen, has existed for over a thousand years. Today, this whisk is made in the undisputed capital of Japanese bamboo tea tools—Takayama village, Ikoma, Nara, Japan.
Much like fine wine, Chasen from certified masters only in the village of Takayama, Nara, Kyoto are certified by the Japanese government. This designation is held only by 18 master crafts people — with Kuboさん being one.
Designated Traditional Craft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Authentic "Takayama Chasen" via the Nara Prefecture Takayama Chasen Production Cooperative Association.
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Bamboo tea tools from Takayama village have a long history. The village has been able to protect it’s craft from spreading to other parts of Japan by maintaining strict standards of apprenticeship for the next generation.
The eldest son in the family alone holds the right to learn the craft - with the other children in the family barred from even entering the room in the family home where the workmanship is carried out. This is to ensure that as the family spreads to other villages, the secrets never leave Takayama — and so far, they haven’t.
Kuboさん’s grandfather, who trained him in Chansen-shi, told him if you can “sit one entire day, we can start learning.” No standing, no walking. Our limited Ooika x Kuboさん Chasen is hand crafted from black bamboo at Kuboさん’s workshop in his family home. The custom chasen features Ooika color white and black thread.
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Hand wash with mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Allow your ceramics to air dry (or gently dry with a soft towel.)
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Ensure your ceramic is completely dry before storing it. Avoid stacking them on top of one another to prevent cracking or chipping.
Teaware Notes
Category Bamboo Dogu |
Artisan Kuboさん |
Terrior Takayama |
Kuboさん
His family reaches back at least 7 generations… handed down from the patriarch to the eldest son.
Only the master and appetence may enter the workshop - the other children are forbidden from learning the craft.
Japanese Craftwork
We sat in his workshop — only the sound of knife blades peeling away thin folds of bamboo could be heard.
Outside, the remaining 20 families in Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan continue the legacy of Bamboo craftswork.
Visiting Takayama Village
Located in Nara, Takayama village winds with natural beauty that inspires one’s senses.
On the day I came, I recall vibrant pink flowers against an over-cast grey.