The Song Cha
Purple Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Shin Chasen)
Purple Bamboo Matcha Whisk (Shin Chasen)
Our softest whisk, for the silkiest foam.
Purple bamboo has the finest, springiest tines we offer. With a light, quick stroke they whisk matcha into a smooth, silky foam. Handmade in Hangzhou from 5-year-old purple bamboo.
Want something firmer and more forgiving while you learn? See the golden bamboo Shin.
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Material
Material
5-year-old purple bamboo (the age of the bamboo when cut)
Approx. 64–70 tines
Handmade in Hangzhou, China
Height: approx. 9.5 cm (3.7 in)
Tine length: approx. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Tine spread: approx. 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Handle diameter: approx. 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
Weight: approx. 10.3 g
Each whisk is made by hand, so sizes and color vary slightly. You may see a few fine bamboo fibers on the tines. They are a normal sign of handwork and don't affect whisking.
Care: rinse with warm water only. No soap, no dishwasher.
How to Use
How to Use
Before first use: soak the tines in water at about 80°C (175°F) for 2–3 minutes, so they relax and open naturally.
Every time:
1. Soak the tines in warm water for about a minute. Softened bamboo is less likely to break.
2. Sift 3g of matcha into a bowl. A sifter weight helps break up clumps.
3. Add about 60ml (2 oz) of water at 80–85°C (175–185°F).
4. Whisk quickly but lightly from the wrist in a zigzag motion, keeping the tines suspended in the tea rather than pressed to the bottom. When a fine foam covers the surface, slow down to even out the bubbles, then lift the whisk out from the center.
To protect the tines:
- Don't press or scrape the tines against the bottom of the bowl.
- Use a smooth, glazed bowl. Rough clay or uneven glaze wears the tines down.
- Avoid stabbing straight up and down.
After use:
1. Rinse the tines in warm water. No soap.
2. Shake off the water, stand the whisk on its handle or on a whisk holder, and let it dry fully in open air.
3. Store it only once completely dry. A damp whisk sealed in its box can mold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Purple or golden bamboo: which should I choose?
A: Both whisk a fine, dense foam. Purple bamboo has the finest, springiest tines, for the silkiest foam with a light hand. Golden bamboo is a little firmer, more durable, and more forgiving while you learn. They're the same price, so choose by feel.
Q: Is purple bamboo the same as black bamboo?
A: Yes. The bamboo we use is often called black bamboo in English. Its culms darken as it matures.
Q: What does "5-year-old bamboo" mean?
A: It's the age of the bamboo when it was cut, not how long the whisk was stored. Mature bamboo is denser, which suits whisk making.
Q: Why does it have about 64–70 tines? Some whisks say 100.
A: Around 64–70 tines is typical for traditional handmade whisks of this kind. Foam depends mostly on how finely the tine tips are shaved, more than on the count.
Q: Is it normal for tines to break?
A: Yes. A bamboo whisk wears with use, and fine tines like these break a little more easily. A tine breaking during use is normal wear, not a defect. Soaking before each use and whisking without pressure keeps breakage to a minimum.
Q: What kind of bowl should I use?
A: A bowl with a smooth, glazed inside. Rough clay or uneven glaze catches the tines and wears them down.
Q: I see small bamboo fibers on the tines. Is that a defect?
A: No. Fine fibers are a natural mark of a handmade whisk and don't affect whisking. If your whisk arrives cracked, with broken tines, or with loose binding thread, contact us and we'll replace it.
Q: Can I use it with other tea powders?
A: Yes. It works with matcha, our green tea powders, Jasmine Cloud, and Honey Orchid Oolong.
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