The Joy of First Furo and the Warmth of the Mentori Furo

In the fragrant breeze of May, the vibrant green of fresh leaves dazzles the eyes, and wildflowers burst into full bloom. As the lingering traces of spring fade and the first signs of early summer emerge, the world of tea welcomes the season of hatsuburo—the first use of the furo (portable brazier) for the year.

Syoburo marks the transition from the sunken ro used through winter and spring, to the furo, which sits atop the tatami mat. The tea calendar begins in November with robiraki (the opening of the ro) and shifts to the “summer temae” in May with the start of the furo season.

This change transforms the atmosphere of the tea room. The ro is closed, and the furo takes its place, bringing a sense of lightness and coolness to the space.

At Suzaku-ken, we use a This brazier is shaped with its upper edge cut at an angle—a process called mentori (chamfering) that softens its sharp corners. Through the narrow gap between the kettle and the furo, a faint glow of red charcoal becomes visible—this “visible fire” is the mentori furo’s most cherished charm.

By contrast, the kiri-awase buro fits flush with the kettle’s flange, completely hiding the charcoal from view. Though visually clean and refined, it conceals all signs of warmth.

The season of syoburo still holds a touch of morning and evening coolness. It is not yet the height of summer, so a gentle warmth in the tea room is actually pleasant. That is why we believe the mentori buro—with its subtle hint of fire—is the most suitable choice for hospitality in this time.

In the way of tea, there is a deep reverence for the unseen. Yet within that quiet The subtlety of the mentori buro allows for a delicate glimpse of glowing coals, quietly revealing the host’s thoughtfulness.

Its soft curves also highlight the shape of the kettle, and the slight space between the furo and kama gives the shape to the very flow of air within the tea room.

In May, the furo season begins. In a tea room where the green wind drifts through, one listens to the quiet sound of boiling water and feels the tender warmth of fire. That stillness and grace are the true joys of syoburo.