Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This example of Kyoto-style painted pottery bears the tsunagi shippo mon, a motif that makes reference to the seven jewels, a geometric motif that arose from Buddhism. The bowl is suitable for preparing thin tea and, as the pattern is without...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This chawan incorporates a motif known as pine arabesque (matsu karakusa) that emerges just above the foot of the bowl and continues up and over the lip. It is designed for thin tea. Kyoto ware (Kyo-yaki)
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]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This chaire is typical of the glazed containers (modeled on early imported Chinese wares) used to hold powdered thick tea. This example is fashioned in the high-shouldered (katatsuki) shape, and features a glaze typical of the Seto kilns. The silk...
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]
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]; 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).
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]; 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]; 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]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
When a cold water jar (mizusashi) sits on a utensil stand, it is left in the tearoom at the end of the temae. A water replacement pitcher is used to replenish the cold water jar at that time. The Katakuchi shape of this piece is more commonly...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
This shape of fresh water container (hosomizusashi) was devised to be used during the last two weeks of October. With the winter season beginnning in November, the narrow mouth and thin shape reduce the guests' impression of cold water, while the...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
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]; 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.
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...