Koita are used to protect the floor under braziers (furo) made of bronze or ceramic. They also provide a strong visual element that anchors the furo arrangement. Though this koita is lacquered, the pleasing pattern of the wood grain has been...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The "ears" on this fine mizusashi are fashioned in the shape of shrimp, which suggest a congratulatory theme. The work exhibits pleasing ash marks from the firing and the rich, toffee-colored (amegusuri) glaze which is a special attribute of the...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Braziers [lcsh];
This iron kettle (furo) is paired with a particular kettle (kama) as a set. It is crafted in the kimen style, supported by three legs in a tripod formation. The use of iron rather than bronze evokes an informal feeling. An opening at the front and...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The classic, understated design and subdued color of this vessel complements its humble function. The shape of this kensui is called efugo, named after a similar container designed for feeding hawks. Though kensui are also crafted of ceramic or...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Scoops [lcsh]
This chashaku is crafted from bamboo in the informal (so) style. The maker has given this piece a dignified air, balancing the large node against the straight grooves and pointed tip.
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]; Raku pottery [lcsh]
The rim of this well-balanced chawan exhibits the gozan or "five peaks" motif, which is frequently employed by Raku and raku-style potters. The dark color provides a particularly appealing ground for the intense green of the tea. The heavy walls...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Trays -- Japan [lcsh];
This square tray with notched corners has multiple functions. It may hold the caddy for thick tea (chaire) in certain temae (tea procedures) or it may be used to serve dry sweets (higaohi) during thin tea. The textured vermillian lacquer surface...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
This style of creating pattern thorough incising and impressing seals originated in Korea. When brought to Japan, the grid-like patterns reminded the Japanese of a famous calendar produced at a temple in Mishima.Tthe technique and the ware...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This small and charming bowl was crafted by well known Kyoto potter, Kyuho, who often worked with the 14th generation Head Master of the Urasenke Tradition of Tea, Sekiso Tantansai Mugensai (1893-1964). The protective box for this teabowl has...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
At the time a specific temae was developed to serve tea to a noble person (kinin), it was decided that all utensils, but especially the teabowl, should be used for the very first time. Since the kinin teabowl and the plain wood stand on which it...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Incense burners and containers [lcsh]
Incense container for the furo season. In the warmer months of the years (traditionally May through October in Japan) the lighter scent of fragrant wood incense, such as sandalwood chips, is thought to be most refreshing. During these months, kogo...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
Teabowl (chawan) for thin tea, with a wide and shallow shape that allows the tea to cool more quickly in the summertime. A Chinese bell flower, also called balloon flower or kikkyo, is painted on the bowl. This motif appears from mid-summer into...
A "card game" for the Way of Tea, modeled after a favorite New Year's game known as the "One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each" (Hyakunin Isshu). There are several versions of the original game, one in which the name and portrait of the poet appears on...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Raku pottery [lcsh]
Lid rest, in the three-lobed leaf shape (mitsuba futaoki) that is part of the Rikyu Seven futaoki set and crafted in a crackled white raku glaze known as koro kusuri (incense burner glaze).
