Used for serving a single fresh moist sweet (namagashi) to a guest, this plate employs a colorful blue motif depicting flower-viewing dumplings (hanami-dango). These skewered, steamed rice dumplings are common during Kyoto's Miyako-odori, a dance...
Used for serving a single fresh moist sweet (namagashi) to a guest, this plate employs a colorful green motif depicting flower-viewing dumplings (hanami-dango). These skewered, steamed rice dumplings are common during Kyoto's Miyako-odori, a dance...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This natsume is decorated in the clouds and brocade (unkin or kumonishiki) pattern, depicting cherry blossoms and maple leaves. The design suggests the passing of time, or the ephemeral nature of existence - a quality that takes the motif beyond...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This chawan for thin tea is decorated with vigorous white brushwork over a warm-toned glaze. The brushed pattern is known as hakeme, which originated in Korean pottery kilns. It was probably introduced to Japan through the acquisition of imported...
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...
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 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...
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...
The chakinzutsu is a small tube that holds the dampened tea cloth (chakin) in outdoor tea procedures (chabako temae). It is decorated to match the container for dry sweets (furidashi), shown here in the background. The design of this chakinzutsu...
Furidashi are small containers designed to hold dry sweets. The design of this furidashi depicts a bridge, maples and cherry blossoms. It is shown here with a matching container for tea cloth (chakinzutsu), both designed for use in outdoor tea...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This small-sized (ko-hira) natsume was often used by its owner for chabako temae and is decorated with a wild orchid motif. It is very skillfully made, representing many hours of work on the part of the craftsperson. The natsume is accompanied here...
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)
This style of tray, known as a hanagatabon or flower-shaped tray, is designed for use in the hana (flower) temae, a chabako tea procedure for the spring season. The red-lacquered edges of this tray suggest stylized petals, and the center of the...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
Tetsubin are small iron kettles with an integral handle that can be used in a variety of more informal tea procedures. Rather than using a ladle (hishaku) to pour the hot water into the teabowl, the host lifts and pours water directly from the...
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).
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]; 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...
