Tea Ceremony Tools for Staying Cool in the Hot Summer

Sen no Rikyu said, "In summer, make it cool; in winter, make it warm." Following these words, various tools are used in tea ceremonies to stay cool during the hot summer.

One of the tea bowls used especially in summer is the "hira-chawan" (flat tea bowl). As the name suggests, the hira-chawan has a flat, plate-like shape. Because it is used in summer, it is also called a "summer tea bowl."

The following picture is an example of a hira-chawan. The summer tea bowl has a wide and shallow shape, which allows the tea to cool quickly. This cooling effect makes the tea more refreshing and enjoyable in the hot summer.

Another summer tool is the "hira-mizusashi" (flat water container). A mizusashi is a tool used to store water for adjusting the temperature of the kettle's water or for rinsing the tea bowl and whisk. The flat water container has a wide and shallow shape, designed to make the water surface appear larger. This creates the impression of a generous amount of water. The shallow body maximizes the reflection and sparkle of the water surface, enhancing the visual cooling effect and emphasizing the water's coolness.

Additionally, there are tea bowls and water containers made of glass. Glass utensils have a sense of transparency and visually convey a sense of coolness. By allowing light to pass through and sparkle, they further enhance the feeling of coolness. In summer tea ceremonies, these glass utensils provide a visually refreshing experience.

Furthermore, among tea utensils, there are items such as the furo (portable brazier), flower vase, fusuma (sliding paper door), and confectionery container that are designed to evoke a sense of coolness when used in summer. The furo moves the fire further away than the traditional hearth, preventing guests from feeling the heat. The flower vase and fusuma are made with designs and materials that visually create a sense of coolness. Confectionery containers often feature shapes and colors that reflect the season, adding a refreshing touch to the summer tea gathering.

Incorporate these tools that evoke coolness into your summer tea ceremonies, and fully enjoy the charm of the tea ceremony. Relish a graceful moment while feeling the pleasant coolness.