Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The damask (donsu) fabric of this dashibukusa employs a stylized pine cone motif known as karamatsu (Chinese pine) over which an emblem of stylized wisteria leaves has been embroidered in gold thread. It was presented to Nakatani Sokiku in her...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Shigaraki pottery [lcsh]
The solid, sturdy form and rustic appearance of this mizusashi is typical of the work of the Shigaraki kilns. Its massive appearance provides a strong visual anchor in the tearoom and its subdued color and feeling are appropriate for a wide variety...
This small red and black kogo was selected for use in chabako temae (outdoor tea procedures). The chabako kogo is used exclusively for the tsuki (moon) chabako, a unique tea procedure which is performed in the autumn. The style and color of this...
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]; 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).
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]
Koshiguro water replacement pitcher (mizutsugi) made of bronze-colored reddish on top and blackened on the lower half. Favored by tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591).
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];
Furo season ash spoon (haisaji) made of bronze with handle wrapped in bamboo sheath. This style was known to have been favored by Sen Rikyu (1522-1591).
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Implements, utensils, etc. [lcsh]; chopsticks [lcsh]
Decorative fire tongs (kazaribashi), with a finial design in the shape of chrysanthenum flowers, a design that was favored by the 14th generation Head Master of the Urasenke tradition of tea, Tantansai Mugensai Soshitsu (1893-1964). The kazaribashi...
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...