AN ANTLER CHASEN NETSUKE (TEA WHISK)

AN ANTLER CHASEN NETSUKE (TEA WHISK)
Unsigned
Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912)
The antler netsuke naturalistically modelled as a chasen (tea whisk). Himotoshi to the side and through the base.
HEIGHT 5.8 cm
Condition: Good condition with minor wear and traces of use.
Today, most matcha whisks are mass-produced outside of Japan. However, the highest quality chasen are still painstakingly made from locally grown bamboo in the small village of Takayama in northwest Nara prefecture, where they have been produced for over 500 years. Today, there are only 18 chasen masters remaining, who are carrying on their families' traditions.