Awaiting Spring in the Cold: Tsutsuchawan and the Tea Ceremony in February
February, also known as Kisaragi in the traditional Japanese calendar, marks the arrival of Risshun the beginning of spring. While the name suggests the coming of a new season, in reality, February is one of the coldest months of the year. The wind still carries winter chill, mornings and evenings remain bitterly cold, and snowfall is not uncommon. Yet, even in the midst of this lingering winter, there are fleeting moments when we sense the quiet approach of spring.
In the world of chanoyu (the Way of Tea), the changing seasons are expressed through utensils and the arrangement of the tea space. One essential element used to ward off the cold in this season is the tsutsuchawan. This cylindrical tea bowl has a small opening and deep structure, helping to retain heat and keep the tea warm for longer. On a crisp winter morning, sipping matcha from a tsutsuchawan allows its gentle warmth to spread throughout the body, accompanied by the rising steam that drifts into the air.
Beyond its practical function, the glaze and texture of a tsutsuchawan also reflect the seasonal atmosphere. A deep ruri ( lapis blue) or black-glazed bowl may evoke the winter night sky or the frozen earth, while a white-glazed or kohiki (powdered slip) bowl brings to mind the stillness of a snowy landscape. Holding such a bowl in hand, one can quietly anticipate the coming of spring, even amid the lingering cold.
In the tokonoma (alcove), scrolls and flowers also embody the spirit of awaiting spring. A hanging scroll inscribed with the phrase (Touching flowers, their fragrance lingers on the robes) may be displayed, reminding guests of the subtle yet undeniable arrival of spring. Such a scroll instantly transforms the tea room, making the warmth of the coming season feel just within reach.
A single camellia (tsubaki) placed in the small space of the tea room mirrors the quiet endurance of nature as it awaits spring. A tightly closed bud, on the verge of blooming, conveys the vitality of life stirring beneath the surface, embodying an understated beauty that harmonizes with the atmosphere of the tea gathering. Unlike typical floral arrangements that highlight fully bloomed flowers, tea gatherings often feature buds to express a sense of refined simplicity. A camellia in bud form is said to contain more latent energy than one in full bloom, its presence creating an elegant, tranquil mood in the tearoom.
February tea gatherings are a time to seek out and appreciate the quiet signs of spring within the cold. As one gently wraps their hands around a tsutsuchawan, feeling its warmth, they may notice a small yet profound shift in the season single camellia bud, a phrase on a scroll, or the way light subtly changes in the tearoom. This moment of quiet recognition is the true charm of tea in February.
It is precisely in the depths of winter that we come to fully appreciate the warmth of tea. And by immersing ourselves in the seasonal expressions woven into the tea space, we can experience the transition from winter to spring in a deeply meaningful way.