Chasen blonde

A matcha whisk made of bamboo

The list of tools and equipment used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony is exhaustive. For modern-day matcha fans, however, only a few are absolute musts – among them the chasen whisk. This 80-bristled wonder is masterfully carved out of a single piece of bamboo in the traditional way. To achieve that all-important matcha froth, whisk briskly in M-shaped, not circular, strokes. Just remember: it’s all in the wrist.