Japanese Tea Ceremony Most Important Utensils

The Japanese Tea Ceremony, also known as Chanoyu or Sado, is a traditional cultural practice that involves preparing and serving powdered green tea, called matcha, in a ceremonial way. The ceremony is highly ritualized and involves a specific set of utensils, each with its own unique history and significance. Here are some of the most important utensils used in a typical Japanese Tea Ceremony:

Chaire (茶入) – Tea Caddy for Thick Tea

Chaire (茶入) is a type of tea caddy used in the Japanese tea ceremony specifically for holding and storing the powdered green tea used in making thick tea (koicha). It is a small ceramic container, often with a lid, that is typically no more than 10 centimeters in height.

Chaire come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and can be made from different materials such as porcelain, pottery, or lacquerware. They are often highly valued and regarded as a work of art in themselves.

In the tea ceremony, the chaire is typically presented to the guests before the tea is prepared, and is admired for its beauty and craftsmanship. The tea master will then open the lid and scoop out a small amount of powdered tea with a bamboo scoop (chasaku), which is then used to prepare the thick tea.

Chakin (茶巾) – Hemp Cloth

Chakin (茶巾) is a small, rectangular piece of cloth used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Traditionally, it is made of white hemp cloth and is used to wipe the tea bowls and other utensils during the tea ceremony. The chakin is folded in a specific way and is considered an important element of the tea ceremony. It is used to purify the utensils, to wipe away excess water or tea, and to ensure that the bowls and utensils are clean and ready for the next guest. The chakin is also used to wipe the hands of the host and guests during the ceremony. It is a simple yet essential tool in the Japanese tea ceremony.

Chasen (茶筅) – Tea Whisk

Chasen (茶筅) is a bamboo tea whisk used in Japanese tea ceremony to prepare matcha, a type of powdered green tea. The whisk is made of bamboo and has numerous fine tines that are used to whisk the tea powder and hot water together to create a frothy and smooth tea.

The whisk is an essential utensil in the preparation of matcha as it helps to evenly distribute the tea powder and create a smooth and creamy texture. The bamboo tines are delicate and need to be handled with care to ensure they do not break or become damaged. Chasen comes in different sizes and shapes, with varying numbers of tines, to suit different preferences and styles of tea ceremony.

Chashaku (茶杓) – Tea Scoop

Chashaku (茶杓) is a bamboo tea scoop used in Japanese tea ceremonies to measure out powdered tea (matcha) from the tea caddy (cha-ire) and transfer it to the tea bowl (chawan). The chashaku is traditionally made from a single piece of bamboo and can be elaborately decorated or left plain. It is an essential tool for preparing matcha and is valued for its simple beauty and functionality. The shape of the chashaku is carefully designed to fit comfortably in the hand and to scoop the exact amount of matcha needed for a single serving.

Chawan (茶碗) – Tea Bowl

Chawan (茶碗) is a type of bowl used in the Japanese tea ceremony for drinking matcha, a powdered green tea. The chawan is usually made of ceramic, but can also be made of other materials like wood or glass. It typically has a simple, rustic design and may be adorned with a simple pattern or signature of the potter who made it.

The size and shape of the chawan can vary depending on the style of tea ceremony being practiced, but in general it is small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and has a wide, shallow shape that allows for the tea to be whisked easily. The shape of the chawan can also affect the flavor and aroma of the tea, as it can influence the way the tea is frothed and the way the scent of the tea is released.

In the Japanese tea ceremony, the chawan is considered a central element of the experience, and much care is given to the choice of the appropriate chawan for the occasion. The host will often select a particular chawan based on its shape, design, or other aesthetic qualities, or to reflect the season or theme of the tea ceremony. The guest will also show respect for the chawan by admiring its qualities and handling it carefully during the tea ceremony.

Fukusa (袱紗) – Silk Cloth

Fukusa (袱紗) is a square silk cloth used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is often embroidered with gold or silver threads and is used to handle the tea utensils during the ceremony.

The Fukusa has two main functions in the tea ceremony. First, it is used to handle the Chawan (tea bowl) and the Chaire (tea caddy) during the preparation of the tea. It is also used to clean the tea utensils, such as the Chashaku (tea scoop) and the Natsume (tea caddy for thin tea). Second, it is used to present and receive the tea utensils during the ceremony.

Fukusa is available in various colors and designs, and the choice of Fukusa depends on the occasion and the season. For example, a red Fukusa is commonly used during the New Year’s season, while a green one is often used during the spring season.

Fukin (布巾)

The fukin (布巾) is a smaller cloth, typically made of silk or cotton. It serves practical purposes in the tea ceremony, primarily focusing on cleaning and maintenance. The fukin is used for wiping and polishing tea utensils, such as the chawan, chashaku (tea scoop), and kensui (waste water bowl), to ensure cleanliness and hygiene throughout the ceremony. It also acts as a protective layer when handling hot utensils, preventing direct contact and offering a safer grip.

Furo (風炉) – Portable Brazier

Furo (風炉) is a portable brazier used in the Japanese tea ceremony to heat water for tea. The word “furo” literally means “wind furnace,” and it is called so because it was originally designed to be heated by the wind blowing through the room. Nowadays, furo typically uses charcoal as a heat source instead.

There are many different types and styles of furo, but they are generally made of ceramic or metal and have a small opening at the top for the insertion of the kettle. The furo is placed on a tatami mat, and the charcoal is ignited and carefully managed to control the temperature of the water. The furo is an important element in the tea ceremony, as it not only heats the water, but also adds to the aesthetic beauty of the ceremony with its elegant design and craftsmanship.

Futaoki (蓋置) – Kettle Lid and Ladle Rest

Futaoki (蓋置) is a small rest or stand used in the Japanese tea ceremony to hold the lid of the kettle and the ladle. It is typically made of bamboo or ceramic, and it is placed next to the kettle during the tea-making process. The futaoki is used to keep the lid of the kettle clean and to prevent it from touching the surface of the tea room’s tatami mat. It also serves as a rest for the ladle used to scoop water into the kettle. Futaoki comes in different shapes and sizes, and they can be very simple or intricately designed to reflect the aesthetic of the tea ceremony.

Hishaku (柄杓) – Bamboo Ladle

Hishaku (柄杓) is a type of bamboo ladle used in the Japanese tea ceremony to transfer hot water from the kettle to the tea bowl. It typically has a long handle and a cup-shaped scoop at the end, which is made of bamboo or sometimes metal. The length of the handle allows the user to reach deep into the kettle without burning their hands. The design of the hishaku is an important part of the tea ceremony, and many different styles and materials are used to create them.

Kama (釜) – Tea Kettle

Kama (釜) is a traditional Japanese tea kettle used in the tea ceremony to boil water for making tea. It is usually made of iron, and its shape and design may vary depending on the region and school of tea. The kettle has a wide bottom to hold a fire, a narrow neck, and a spout to pour the hot water. Kama is an essential part of the tea ceremony, and the sound of boiling water in the kettle is considered an important element of the ceremony.

Kogo (香合) – Incense Container

Kogo (香合) is an incense container used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is a small lidded box or container made of ceramic, wood, lacquer, or metal and is used to hold the powdered incense used in the ceremony. The kogo is typically brought into the tea room and presented to guests for them to smell and appreciate before the start of the tea ceremony. During the ceremony, the kogo is placed in front of the guests and opened to reveal the incense, which is then passed around for everyone to smell. The kogo is an important element in creating the atmosphere of the tea ceremony, as it helps to set the mood and create a sense of harmony and peacefulness.

Kusenaoshi (草簪) – Whisk Holder

Kusenaoshi (草簪) is a utensil used in Japanese tea ceremonies to hold and protect the chasen (tea whisk). After use, the chasen is rinsed with water and placed on the kusenaoshi to dry and maintain its shape. Kusenaoshi come in different materials such as bamboo, ceramic, and metal, and may also vary in design and shape. The shape of the kusenaoshi is important as it can affect the shape of the chasen, which in turn can impact the taste and texture of the tea.

Mizusashi (水指) – Water Container

Mizusashi (水指) is a Japanese tea ceremony utensil that is used to hold fresh water for the tea-making process. Mizusashi typically come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, such as ceramics, lacquerware, or metal. The water in the mizusashi is used to rinse the chawan (tea bowl) and the chasen (tea whisk), as well as to adjust the temperature of the hot water in the kama (tea kettle) when making tea. Mizusashi are usually placed to the right of the host during the tea ceremony. In addition to its functional purpose, mizusashi is also considered a decorative element and is often chosen to complement the overall aesthetic of the tea ceremony utensils.

Natsume (棗) – Tea Caddy for Thin Tea

Natsume (棗) is a small, lidded container used in the Japanese tea ceremony to hold the powdered green tea (matcha) used in thin tea (usucha). It is usually made of wood, lacquered, and decorated with a simple design. The natsume is designed to be small and easy to hold, with a narrow opening that makes it easy to scoop out the powdered tea with a chashaku (tea scoop). The lid of the natsume is also used as a tray for the tea scoop when it is not in use. The natsume is an important utensil in the tea ceremony, as it is used to store and present the powdered tea to the guests.

Ro (炉) – Sunken Hearth

Ro (炉) is a sunken hearth used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is typically made of ceramic or metal and is set into the ground or into a platform. The ro is used to heat the water for making tea and also serves as a decorative element in the tea room. The design and construction of the ro are important aspects of the tea ceremony, and different schools of tea have their own preferred styles and materials for the ro. The ro is often accompanied by a furo, a portable brazier used to heat the tea kettle and provide warmth in the tea room.

Sensu (扇子) – Fan

Sensu is a traditional Japanese folding fan made of bamboo and paper or silk. It is an important item in Japanese culture, particularly in the arts, including the tea ceremony, dance, and theater. The sensu can be used for both practical purposes, such as cooling oneself on a hot day, and for artistic expression, as the folding and unfolding of the fan can be choreographed to create beautiful and intricate movements. In the tea ceremony, the sensu is used to gesture towards certain objects or to adjust the placement of utensils. There are many different styles and designs of sensu, ranging from simple and plain to ornate and colorful.

Shifuku (袱紗) – Tea Caddy Bag

Shifuku (袱紗) is a bag made of silk or other fine fabrics used to store and protect the tea caddy (Natsume) or other tea utensils during the Japanese tea ceremony. The Shifuku is tied with a ribbon or cord and is often decorated with a family crest, auspicious symbols, or seasonal motifs. It is considered an essential element in the tea ceremony, as it shows respect for the tea utensils and helps create an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.

Tana (棚) – Tea Shelf

Tana (棚) is a type of tea shelf or tea display stand used in the Japanese tea ceremony to store and display tea utensils. It is typically made of wood and can have multiple levels or shelves for displaying various tea utensils such as tea bowls, tea caddies, and tea scoops. The design and size of the tana can vary depending on the school of tea and the specific tea gathering. In addition to its functional purpose, the tana can also serve an aesthetic purpose, with the design and materials used to create it reflecting the principles of wabi-sabi, simplicity, and natural beauty that are central to the Japanese tea ceremony.

Tokonoma (床の間) – Alcove

Tokonoma (床の間) is a special recessed space in traditional Japanese architecture, typically found in a room designated for a tea ceremony or displaying artwork. The tokonoma is usually decorated with a hanging scroll (kakemono), a flower arrangement (ikebana), and an incense burner (koro) or other decorative items. It is considered the focal point of the room and is meant to evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance. During a tea ceremony, the host may also use the tokonoma to display special tea utensils or other items related to the ceremony.

Kensui (建水) – Waste Water Receptacle/Bowl

The Kensui (建水) is typically made of ceramic or metal and is designed with a wide opening and shallow depth, allowing for easy disposal of waste water. It is an essential component of the tea ceremony, as it ensures cleanliness and tidiness throughout the ritual.

Yakan (薬缶) – The Water Pitcher

Yakan (薬缶) plays a vital role in replenishing the Mizusashi, ensuring that the tea room is returned to its original state before the guests entered. The Yakan serves as a water pitcher used to pour back the same amount of water into the Mizusashi as was initially used to prepare tea for the guests.