Fans (sensu) are used by guests at a tea gathering, especially when entering or exiting the tearoom, however, they are never opened or used to fan oneself. Men's sensu are slightly larger than those for women. The lacquered frame of this woman's...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This chawan is a classic example of Zeze ware originating from the Kagero-en kiln. The waisted shape is relatively formal, and the piece has been decorated with an abstract brown, black and yellow glaze typical of the genre. Zeze is known as one of...
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]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]; Raku pottery [lcsh]
Raku-style chawan generally feature either red or black glazes. This piece, crafted by Waraku, is an excellent example of the red raku style. Red raku ware (akaraku).
These covered lacquer bowls are generally used for the nimono, or main course of the formal kaiseki meal, though they may also be used for the soup course of the tenshin repast, a lighter, more informal meal. The nimono course, also known as...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Implements, utensils, etc. [lcsh];
The yoji, a pick for eating moist sweets, is one of the standard items a guest brings to the tearoom. Here, the yoji is sheathed in a slipcase in gold brocade (kinran) fabric decorated with a pattern incorporating plum, tortoise shell, and bamboo...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
This bamboo futaoki bears a configuration of the tsubo-tsubo design, an element of the Sen (Urasenke) family crest. Futaoki of painted bamboo are considered more formal than those made from fresh green bamboo, but are less formal than those made...
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]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
Bentwood rinse water containers are dampened before use and so have an association of coolness in summer. For that reason their use is often confined to thin tea procedures.
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
This fresh water container, in the style of Chinese ceramics, creates a strong sense of formality. The use of this fresh water jar would be limited to utensil stands (tana, nagaita, or daisu).
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This style of creating pattern through 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. The technique and the ware...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
A teabowl with a simple appeal that will blend harmoniously with other, more decorated utensils. Over years of use, glazes such as this will develop subtle changes that deepen their appeal even further.
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];
Stand for water ladle and fire tongs (shakutate) in green raku glaze with highlights in gold, to be used with the formal setting of utensils on a daisu or nagaita utensil stand.
