Japanese Chasen - 竹華園 Chikukaen - Kurotake Dark Bamboo Kankyū-an Matcha Whisk

This kurotake (黒竹) dark bamboo chasen (matcha whisk) is made in the Kankyū-an (官休庵) style in Takayama, Nara by Chikukaen (竹華園). Kankyū-an (官休庵) is the name of the central tea house of the Mushanōkoji-senke (武者小路千家) school of Japanese tea ceremony, which is the third largest after Urasenke and Omotesenke (which together form the 'san-senke'). This school prefers an older style of tea whisk with straight tines, lacking the subtle curve found in the more popular shin shape. In line with the aesthetic principles of the school, this style of chasen is not designed to make foamy usucha, but instead makes what is known in English as 'pond-style' matcha, with a very thin, incomplete layer of foam.  Unlike mass-produced matcha whisks, these chasen are entirely handmade, without the use of machines or chemicals to expedite the bamboo growing, drying, or shaping processes, requiring immense time and skill to craft. As such, Takayama chasen have finer, more flexible tines and a greater attention t