Original Japanese matcha broom (chasen) made of bamboo 120 bristles for a particularly fine lather - ideal for advanced users For the traditional preparation of Matcha Soak briefly in lukewarm water before use to make bristles supple. The matcha whisk, called a chasen, is used to prepare powdered Japanese tea (matcha). It is an indispensable utensil for the Japanese tea ceremony. With its greater number of bristles, this chasen is particularly suitable for the preparation of Usucha (fine tea). Product Information Material: White Bamboo Total length: about 10.5cm Handle diameter: about 3cm Broom head diameter: about 6cm Number of bristles: about 90-96What does the "120" on the broom mean?The matcha broom is made by hand: the piece of bamboo is split again and again with a sharp, special knife. Depending on the thickness of the bamboo, a chasen is created with a different number of bristles. Size 120 does not mean exactly 120 hairs. The actual outer bristle count is between 90 and 96. The bristle count in a Chasen 80, also used, is between 76 and 82. The bamboo itself is a little thinner on the 80th broom than on a 120th broomThe 120 chasen offered here is more suitable for beginners, as the handle is a little thicker and the higher bristle count also leads to more foam on the matcha a little faster. However, it is only suitable for thin Usucha tea, not for Koicha tea, which is more reminiscent of porridge. Note on use and storage: The matcha mop comes in plastic packaging. This packaging is only used for safe transport, but is not suitable for storing the broom after use. Since moisture cannot be removed in this case, quality deterioration and even mold are to be expected.The Matcha whisk is an important utensil for the preparation of Matcha. It is an object of daily use which, with good care, will last a long time, but not forever. To keep the Chasen in good condition, please note the following: Do not use dry chasen to whisk the matcha, but rather make the chasen in the matcha bowl smooth by swirling it carefully in the hot water. This prevents the bristles from breaking. The chasen must dry after use. There is a special stand for this, a chasentate. The bamboo broom can dry there quickly. But it is even more important that it always stays in the right shape on such a Matcha broom holder and that the inner bristles can also unfold properly. Whisking matcha is relatively easy: matcha powder is whipped with very quick wrist movements, like writing an M. A fine jade green foam forms.