2016/01/12 - Gaëlle
He is visibly similar to one of his head masseurs - those who are composed of a firm grip and thin branches sliding down the scalp. Only, the kubo chasen is made of bamboo and its "branches" are flat. Halfway between a small rake and a whisk, who would suspect that it is in Japan a tea utensil?
USE A CHASEN KUBO
To see its natural and artisanal look, we understand that chasen kubo is not a recent gadget, but a very traditional instrument. His utility? The kubo chasen has a dedicated function: whipping the matcha. The movement of the wrist is essential. Indeed, it is thanks to a rapid movement of the wrist that the green tea powder is stirred in a small amount of water. The dexterity of the hand behind the kubo chasen makes it possible to obtain a fine emulsion, worthy of Japanese tea ceremonies.
ARTISANAL WORK
The appearance of chasen kubo is so simple that it is difficult to imagine art and craft playing a very important role. And yet, for more than 25 generations, Kubo-style chasen is handcrafted from the local bamboo of North Tokyo. To arrive at the final result, only one piece of bamboo is used, carved and dug. No assembly, no collage: if a craftsman has his hand slipping, he will have to start again from another bamboo.
The general process is mechanical, a habit that allows each craftsman to build around 5 a day: dry the bamboo, then scrape it, then split it, to finally wrap its slats around a thread, giving it its shape curved. The gestures remain the same - assured, confident, patient. And yet, every chasen kubo is unique.