茶筅, pronounced "chasen," is a traditional Japanese tea whisk made from bamboo. It is an essential tool used in the preparation of 抹茶 (matcha), a finely ground green tea. The whisk has thin, flexible prongs that help to aerate and froth the tea, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Typically, a 茶筅 has about 80 to 100 prongs, which vary in thickness and length depending on the specific style. The whisk is often used in 茶道 (the Way of Tea), a Japanese cultural practice centered around the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha. Proper care and cleaning of the 茶筅 are important to maintain its functionality and longevity.