Tea Utensils
Kakeziku (hanging scroll)
The hanging scroll in the alcove (tokonoma) reflects the season and the philosophical spirit, often featuring calligraphy or paintings with poetic inscriptions, embodying principles like harmony and tranquility.
Chasen (tea whisk)
The chasen, a bamboo whisk, is an essential tool in the tea ceremony for mixing matcha powder with water to create a smooth, frothy consistency. Each chasen is delicately handcrafted from a single piece of bamboo, with fine bristles that expertly blend the tea.
Chashaku (tea scoop)
A bamboo tea scoop, is used to transfer matcha powder from the tea container to the tea bowl. This simple yet elegant tool embodies functionality, with its gentle curves and natural material.
Chaire (container for powdered thick tea)
A small container is used to hold the matcha powder during formal tea ceremonies. Often made from fine pottery and featuring intricate designs, the chaire is a symbol of the host's hospitality and taste.
Natsume (container for powdered thin tea)
A Natsume is a traditional Japanese tea caddy used in tea ceremonies to store powdered green tea (matcha). Typically crafted from lacquered wood, it's distinct for its cylindrical shape and vivid designs, symbolizing hospitality and the aesthetic of the ceremony.
Kougou (incense container)
A Kougou is a small, elegant container used in Japanese tea ceremonies to hold incense. Often made of fine ceramics or lacquerware, it embodies traditional aesthetics and is essential for purifying the tea room's atmosphere, enhancing the ceremonial experience.
Mizusashi (water container)
The mizusashi is a water jar used to hold fresh water for replenishing the kettle. Its design harmonizes with the overall aesthetic of the tea setting, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining the right temperature and purity of the water.
Kensui (rinse water receptacle)
A functional vessel in the Japanese tea ceremony, used to hold rinse water for cleaning tea utensils. Typically made of ceramic or metal, it's an essential item, reflecting the ceremony's emphasis on purity and the careful management of every detail.
Fukusa (silk cloth)
A fine silk cloth used in the Japanese tea ceremony for purifying utensils. Symbolizing respect and purity, its elegant folds and precise use demonstrate the practitioner's mindfulness and grace in the ceremonial preparation.
The procedure for making tea