Kurodake

Kurodake is a variety of bamboo with a naturally dark, almost black culm. Chasen made from kurodake are stiffer, more durable, and last noticeably longer than white-bamboo (susudake) ones — often eighteen months versus six to twelve. Experienced practitioners often prefer them for daily use. Premium kurodake chasen come from Takayama in Nara prefecture and run $40 to $80, compared to $20 to $40 for comparable susudake.