Matcha Guides
Matcha Tools Glossary: Chawan, Chasen, Chashaku & More
Matcha vocabulary
A plain-language glossary of the core matcha tools — what each one is called, what it does, and how they work together.
The core matcha tools are the chawan (bowl), chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (bamboo scoop), and a whisk holder (naoshi/kusenaoshi), plus an optional furui (sifter). Each has one job in preparing a smooth bowl of matcha.
The core terms
Chawan — the bowl
The wide, open bowl you whisk and drink matcha from. Its width gives the whisk room to move and build foam.
Chasen — the bamboo whisk
A single piece of bamboo split into many fine tines. It breaks up the powder and aerates the drink into a smooth foam — a spoon can’t replicate it.
Chashaku — the bamboo scoop
A slim bamboo scoop used to measure matcha from its tin into the bowl. It’s about portioning, not whisking.
Naoshi / kusenaoshi — the whisk holder
A small stand (often ceramic) that cradles the whisk tines-up as it dries, helping them keep their splayed shape and last longer.
Furui — the sifter
A fine sieve used to break up clumps before whisking, so the matcha mixes smoothly.
How they work together
In practice: portion with the chashaku into the chawan, optionally sift with a furui, whisk with the chasen, then rest the chasen on its naoshi to dry. For the step-by-step, see how to use a matcha whisk and what is a chawan; for which of these you truly need, matcha tools you actually need.
Sets with the core tools
Most CeramicMuse sets pair a bowl with a whisk (and often a holder). Browse tea cups & matcha accessories and matcha bowls & sets.
Daisy Hand-painted Ceramic Matcha Bowl Set with Spout, Bamboo Whisk & Holder, 450ml Gift Kit
$31.62
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White Cat Hand-painted Ceramic Matcha Bowl Set with Bamboo Whisk & Holder, 450ml Starter Kit
$31.62
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White Fish Hand-painted Ceramic Matcha Bowl Set with Spout, Bamboo Whisk & Holder, 450ml Gift Kit
$35.68
View this setFrequently asked questions
What is a chawan?
The wide, open ceramic bowl used to whisk and drink matcha.
What is a chasen?
The bamboo matcha whisk — one piece of bamboo split into many fine tines that aerate the matcha into a smooth foam.
What is a chashaku?
A slim bamboo scoop used to measure matcha powder into the bowl.
What is a naoshi?
A small whisk holder that cradles the chasen tines-up while it dries so it keeps its shape.
Do I need a sifter (furui)?
It’s optional but helpful — sifting breaks up clumps so the matcha whisks smoother.
