Opening of the Hearth and Hyotan Tanto | In honor of the New Year of Tea

In November, the tea ceremony world welcomes "Robiraki" (opening of the hearth).

This period, when the furo (portable brazier) season ends and the ro (sunken hearth) season begins, is a special milestone for tea practitioners.

It is a time of quiet transition, where the fire is moved a little closer to the guest, allowing everyone to share in the feeling of the cooling season.

Another important event of Robiraki is "Kuchikiri" (cutting open the jar).

Tea leaves picked in spring, around May, are quietly aged in jars throughout the summer, deepening their umami.

They are brought out into the world for the first time by "cutting open the mouth of the jar" at the end of autumn.

At this moment, the matcha of that year is first prepared and tasted.

As the aroma of the new tea rises, tea practitioners rejoice, feeling as if they have welcomed the "New Year of Tea."

Just as one celebrates the beginning of a new year, the annual cycle of tea begins anew with the hearth fire.

One of the special tools used in the tea ceremony during this season is the "Fukube Sumitori" (gourd charcoal container).

The Fukube Sumitori is a charcoal container made by hollowing out and drying a calabash gourd.

It is used during the "sumidemae" (charcoal ceremony), a ritual in which the host adds charcoal in front of the guests and arranges the charcoal to boil water.

The natural curves of the gourd are beautiful, and it feels somehow rich and fresh with its lightness that fits in the palm of one's hand.

Despite its simple material, it softens the atmosphere of the tea room and adds a gentle expression to the act of handling charcoal.

In the past, it is said that a new Fukube Sumitori was prepared for Kuchikiri, and it was used up and discarded at the end of that hearth season.

"A gourd for that year, for that gathering."

The aesthetics of the tea ceremony are reflected in the purity of spending one season together and then completing its role.

The tea practitioner's gratitude and humility are also felt in the attitude of using up what was received from nature.

Although it has become rare to replace it every year in modern times, recalling its origin, each time one holds a Fukube Sumitori, the cycle of the seasons and the preciousness of time subtly resonate in one's heart.

The word "fukube" (gourd) also connects to "fuku" (fortune), and has long been considered a good omen.

Its shape, with its constriction, symbolizes the life force that fills it, and is also said to be a symbol of good health and prosperity for descendants.

As a tool for the tea ceremony, the Fukube Sumitori naturally embodies these auspicious meanings, making it a fitting presence for the celebratory occasion of Robiraki.

And hidden within these tea ceremony customs is wisdom that also applies to modern life.

For example, tidying up a space and reviewing tools at seasonal turning points.

This can also be a small ritual in our lives to refresh our minds.

To cherish things and use them carefully, but to let them go cleanly when necessary.

To feel the bounty of nature and use it up with gratitude.

Even in busy daily life, by regaining such a mindset, a quiet harmony emerges in one's life.

The gentle sound of the fire burning in the hearth, the scent of charcoal, the sensation of water boiling.

Time spent listening to these is a moment to accept the passing season and to compose oneself.

With the aroma of new matcha, one's spirit is renewed.

The spirit of "wakei seijaku" (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility) taught by the tea ceremony is certainly alive in our modern lives.

Like the gently burning fire in the hearth, we hope to find warm tranquility in our daily lives.