The idea for the design of this basket came from a very old practice of controlling the flow of water in the Kamo River that flows through Kyoto by wrapping large stones in bamboo and placing them strategically. The bamboo tube inside the original...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh];
Winter hearth (okiro) designed to be used in circumstances when the ro cannot be set flush in the tatami floor. It is placed in the same position within the tearoom as the sunken hearth but stands on top of the tatami.
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 hishaku is crafted in the traditional pattern for furo season, distinguished by a smaller cup appropriate to the furo kettle, and by an angled cut on the lower surface at the tip of the handle.
Ceramic vase with ears. Although ceramic vases may be used in either the furo season (May through October when the enclosed brazier is used to heat the kettle) or the ro season (November through April when the sunken hearth is used), the...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
Tripod to support the kettle in the sunken hearth (ro). The positioning of the tripod on the hearth changes with various factors, including the temae, time of day, location of the hearth in the room and other features of the tearoom.
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The identifying feature of the furo trivet is the opening between the two front legs which accomodate a fire baffle tile, known as maegawara. This controls the flow of air to the fire. The heads of the trivet may come in various shapes; these are...
These trays are designed for tenshin, a light repast served in place of the formal kaiseki meal. Tenshin is served during less formal tea gatherings or those with many guests, presenting in one course essentially the same foods as the formal...
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]; Tobacco jars and boxes [lcsh]; Trays -- Japan [lcsh]
A tobacco tray is used to signify an informal and relaxed atmosphere. While these days tobacco is seldom used in the tearoom, the importance of its signification remains.
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Shigaraki pottery [lcsh]
This shape of mizusashi or fresh water jar is used in a particular tea procedure known as nakaoki, which occurs only in the last few weeks of October. As the chill of winter approaches (by Japanese reckoning winter runs from November through...
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]; 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]; 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]; 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...
