Tea ceremony tools to keep you cool during the hot summer

Sen no Rikyu said, "Be as cool as possible in the summer, and as warm as possible in the winter." In keeping with these words, various tools are used in the tea ceremony to help people stay cool during the hot summer.

One type of matcha bowl that is particularly used in the summer is the "flat bowl." As the name suggests, the flat bowl is flat like a plate, hence the name. It is also called the "summer bowl" because it is used in the summer.

The following photo is an example of a flat tea bowl. Summer tea bowls have a wide, shallow shape that allows the tea to cool quickly. This shape allows the tea to cool quickly, making cold tea taste delicious in the hot summer.

Another summer tool is the "hiramizusashi" (flat water jar). A water jar is a tool used to store water, which is used to adjust the temperature of the water in the kettle and to rinse tea bowls and tea whisks. The hira mizusashi has a wide and shallow shape, and is designed to make the water surface appear wider. This gives the strong impression that it is filled with plenty of water. The shallow body maximizes the reflection of the water and the light, creating a sparkling water surface. This visual effect creates a feeling of coolness and emphasizes the coldness of the water.

There are also glass tea bowls and water jars. Glass utensils are transparent and give off a cool feeling just by looking at them. The light passing through them and their sparkling shine further enhances the feeling of coolness. By using these glass utensils during the summer tea ceremony, you can enjoy the coolness visually as well.

Furthermore, many tea ceremony implements, such as braziers, flower vases, sliding doors, and confectionery dishes, are designed to create a feeling of coolness when used in the summer. The braziers move the fire away from the hearth, preventing guests from feeling too hot. The flower vases and sliding doors also feature cool designs and materials, creating a visually cool atmosphere. Confectionery dishes are designed with cool shapes and colors that reflect the season, adding an extra touch of freshness to a summer tea ceremony.

In the hot summer, try incorporating these tools to create a cool feeling and fully enjoy the charm of the tea ceremony. Enjoy a moment of elegance while feeling the pleasant coolness.