Warmth spreads throughout the winter tea room

As November approaches, the world of tea ceremony celebrates the opening of the hearth, and the atmosphere of the tea room changes dramatically. Steam rises from the hearth, gently spreading out and softening the cold air that touches the tatami mats, creating a warmth that seems to envelop the entire tea room. The transition from the furo to the ro completely changes the atmosphere of the tea room, and winter-specific techniques are required when selecting tea utensils.

In this article, we will discuss preparations for tea ceremony during the hearth season and how tools change with the season.

First, let's look at how to choose a tea bowl.

During hearth season, wide-mouthed tea bowls are rarely used. Wide-mouthed bowls are considered unsuitable for the cold season, as the tea cools easily and does not retain its warmth for long. Instead, tea bowls with a shape that gently warms the tea when held in the palm of the hand are preferred. Deep, cylindrical tea bowls in particular are designed to mitigate the coldness of the tea room and maintain the warmth of the tea. This shape is the secret to enjoying the warmth of tea for a long time, and is an essential part of winter tea ceremonies.

Next, let's look at the changes in flower vases.

During the furo season, bamboo and wooden vases are used, their light and cool appearance adding color to the summer tea room. On the other hand, ceramic vases are chosen during the ro season. Ceramic vases, with their solid weight and soft texture, further enhance the warmth of the ro and the calmness of winter. There is also a change in the way flowers are chosen. Cool-looking flowers are the focus during the furo season, but in winter tea rooms, tree flowers such as camellias take center stage. Their thick leaves and powerful appearance harmonize with the silence of winter and add a gentle warmth to the tea room.

Furthermore, confectionery containers are also chosen according to the season.

During the summer brazier season, ceramic and glassware that evoke a sense of coolness are mainly used. Transparent vessels evoke images of flowing cold water and cool breezes, bringing a sense of coolness to both the eyes and the soul. However, during the brazier season, lacquerware food baskets come into play. The moist texture and deep luster of lacquerware bring a sense of calm and warmth to the winter tea room. Together with the steam rising from the steamed sweets, they spread a gentle warmth throughout the winter tea room.

In this way, a delicate sense of the season is alive in tea ceremonies during the hearth season, from the selection of utensils to the arrangement of flowers. This is not just a way to maintain warmth, but also brings the silence and warmth unique to winter to the tea room, leading to a moment where you can savor the season with all your senses. The aesthetic sense unique to winter tea ceremonies is imbued in each and every step of the tea ceremony.

By experiencing the changing of the seasons and by arranging your utensils and flowers in creative ways, the world of tea ceremony will become even deeper and richer. Why not try enjoying a ro-style tea ceremony in the quiet and warmth of a tea room this winter?