Basic knowledge of tea utensils: types and usage

Tea utensils are tools that have been refined over a long history. Each has its own special role, combining beauty and functionality. This article describes the major tea utensils in detail, explaining their roles and features.

1. basic tea utensils

Chawan (tea bowl)

  • Role: Vessel for making and drinking matcha (powdered green tea)
  • Features: 1.
    • In winter, a deep raku bowl is used to keep the tea warm.
    • In summer, a shallow tea bowl is used to create a cooler impression.
    • The front of the tea bowl (frontal position) is used to show the bowl to the guests.
  • Handling:.
    • Handle carefully with both hands
    • Turn the bowl before drinking to avoid the front position

Chasen (tea whisk)

  • Role: Bamboo tool used to make matcha
  • Characteristics: Delicate and delicate.
    • A delicate tool made of finely torn bamboo
    • Generally, there are 80 bamboo whisks in a set.
    • There are brand name products such as KUBO Zabun-saku.
  • Care: Wash and shape after use.
    • Wash and shape after use
    • Store with a special xenashira.

Chashaku

  • Role: Tool used to transfer matcha from a tea can to a tea bowl
  • Features: Bamboo
    • Made of bamboo, with a fixed amount of one ladle.
    • The position and shape of the joints are tasteful.
    • Sometimes inscribed with an inscription.
  • How to handle it
    • Clean the ladle after use.
    • Place the ladle in a special chashaku stand.

2. water utensils

MIZUSHI (water container)

  • Role: Container for holding water for use in the tea ceremony
  • Features: 1.
    • Made of ceramic or porcelain
    • Material and shape change with the seasons.
    • Used with a lid rest
  • How to choose
    • Match the atmosphere of the tea room
    • Emphasize the sense of the season

Kensui

  • Role: container for disposing of used water
  • Characteristics: A vessel used to
    • Receives water from washing tea bowls
    • Commonly made of ceramic or copper
  • Usage: To
    • To catch water after cleansing tea cups
    • Appropriate size is necessary

3. tools for storage and preparation

Natsume (jujube)

  • Role: container for holding matcha
  • Characteristics: Lacquer-lacquered
    • Generally lacquered
    • Small and easy to hold
    • Sometimes decorated with maki-e (gold or silver lacquer)
  • How to handle
    • Handle with care as it is a lacquer ware
    • Wipe gently with a cloth for storage

Chakin (tea cloth)

  • Role: Linen used to wipe tea bowls
  • Characteristics: It is made of linen and absorbs water well.
    • Made of linen and absorbs water well
    • The more it is used, the more it tastes good
  • Care: Wash and dry after use.
    • Wash and dry after use
    • Bleaching is necessary periodically.

4. arrangement of utensils

Fukusa

  • Role: Used to purify utensils and for making repairs
  • Characteristics
    • Generally made of pure silk
    • Purple for men and vermilion for women
  • How to handle
    • Folded in the prescribed way for storage
    • Keep clean

Arrangement of tea utensils

  • Arrange in an easy-to-use position as seen from the tea-ceremony table.
  • Arrangement depends on the season and the form of the tea ceremony.
  • Consider the harmony of the utensils.

5. points to consider when selecting tea utensils

There are three important points to consider when selecting tea utensils. 1.

1. selection according to use

When selecting tea utensils, it is important to clarify their intended use.

For practice or for the real thing?

  • Tea utensils for practice use should be selected that can be used over and over again. Cost-effectiveness can be emphasized.
  • Tea utensils for the actual performance should be of high quality and dignity. Appearance is also important.

How often will they be used?

  • Tea utensils for daily use should be durable and easy to care for.
  • Tea utensils that are used only rarely may be selected for their design and rarity.

Selection according to the formality of the tea ceremony

  • If you are the formal tea master, you should choose elegant tea utensils that match the formalities of the tea ceremony.
  • If you are the casual tea master, you may choose tea utensils with a more relaxed atmosphere. 2.

Consideration for the Seasons

When selecting tea utensils, it is also important to create the atmosphere of each of the four seasons.

In summer, cool-looking utensils

  • Choosing light-colored tea bowls and water jars will give a refreshing impression.
  • Water jars made of copper, for example, can also create a cool, summery atmosphere.

For winter, choose warm-toned utensils.

  • Selecting dark-colored raku tea bowls and vermilion jujubes will create a warm atmosphere.
  • Tea utensils with a rustic texture such as Iwaizumi-yaki are also good choices.

Selection according to seasonal flowers and events

  • You can create a sense of the season, such as in spring to match the cherry blossom season, or in summer to match the time of the Han-summer season.
  • It is also chic to choose tea utensils for New Year’s, the equinoxes, and other special occasions.

3. ease of maintenance

Careful maintenance of tea utensils is essential. Ease of maintenance is also an important factor in the selection of tea utensils.

Regular maintenance is necessary.

  • The maintenance procedure differs depending on the material, such as lacquerware or glassware.
  • The frequency of cleaning and maintenance should be considered.

Appropriate storage space

  • Many tea utensils are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and sunlight, so proper storage is important.
  • Provide a suitable storage space for tea utensils, such as shelves or cases.

Repairability in case of damage

  • Tea utensils are believed to carry the owner’s thoughts and feelings.
  • It is best to choose tea utensils that can be repaired in the event of damage.

These are important points to consider when selecting tea utensils. It is essential to comprehensively consider the purpose, seasonality, and ease of maintenance to find the right tea utensil for you. To enjoy the profound world of the tea ceremony, be aware of how to choose tea utensils for a better tea ceremony experience.

Conclusion

Tea utensils are more than just tools; they are important elements that embody the spirituality of the tea ceremony. Understanding the characteristics of each utensil and how to use it, and handling it with care, will allow you to enjoy the world of the tea ceremony more deeply. For beginners, it is recommended to start with the basic tools and gradually expand your collection.

This article provides basic information on tea utensils. There may be differences in manners and the use of utensils among schools, so please follow the guidance of the school to which you belong for details.