japanaese tea ceremony / sadō (茶道)
The Japanese Tea Ceremony, known as Chanoyu or Chado, embodies foundational principles such as harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. This ancient ritual is a masterful demonstration of mindfulness and intentionality, where every step, from the preparation of tea utensils to the drinking of tea, is performed with meticulous care and adherence to specific techniques. By infusing the entire ceremony with positive values and attention to detail, participants seek to cultivate an atmosphere of grace and enlightenment, transcending the mere act of tea preparation.
The significance of the Japanese Tea Ceremony lies not only in the end product of serving tea but also in the holistic experience and values imbued throughout the process. Ceramic wares, particularly tea bowls known as Chawan, play a critical role in this ceremony. As an artist, you highlight the importance of embedding moral values into your ceramic artwork, aiming to convey meaningful messages beyond mere aesthetic beauty.
By dedicating your artistic practice to instill positive values in ceramic creations, you elevate the artwork from mere visual appeal to a medium for communicating essential values and reflections on the world. Whether addressing themes like nature conservation, ethics, spirituality, or human virtues, your artworks serve as visual representations of these ideals, prompting viewers to contemplate and internalize the significance of these values in their lives.
The Japanese tea ceremony serves as a powerful vehicle for imparting valuable life lessons and virtues such as manners, beauty, simplicity, respect, appreciation, discipline, humility, and kindness. Through this traditional practice, individuals not only engage in a cultural tradition but also internalize the principles that can enhance interpersonal relationships, personal growth, and societal harmony.
By infusing your ceramic artwork with meaningful messages and promoting positive values, you contribute to a broader dialogue on the importance of ethics and moral principles in contemporary society. Through your creations, you inspire reflection, provoke awareness, and invite contemplation on the enduring significance of cultivating virtues that enrich our lives and relationships.
japanese tea ceremony collections
the unique properties of a chawan (茶碗)
Chawans embody a meticulous balance of form, function, and aesthetics in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Their design and construction uphold specific criteria to ensure a harmonious and meaningful tea experience. A chawan typically exhibits characteristics such as a well-proportioned size, precise weight, and an intricately crafted interior surface that facilitates the delicate whisking of matcha.
Saizu, (size) - The Golden Mean is 1 : 1.618 (13cm diameter / 8cm height) or close to it.Why 13cm? Dou, (the perfect size to "nestle" into human hands).
Weight - Overall about 454 grams (1 lb) or very close to it.
Center Of Mass (balance) - The distribution of weight matters a lot.
Mikomi (interior surface needs to relatively smooth) - The transition between wall and floor should not be "creased". Allowing the very fragile tines of the whisk to move effortlessly. The transitional curve is called the Koshi.
Quality of the Rim - Needs to be smooth; during the ritual wiping of the rim of the bowl, using the Chakin, (hemp cloth)
Koudai (the grip-ability of the Foot) - During the ceremony you will be holding the chawan with your hand underneath the foot. and also when presenting the bowl.
Chadamari (the tea pool) - There usually is a depression called the "Tea Pool"
AESTHEIC CONCERNS
Tsuchi Aji (quality of the clay) - The unique qualities of the clay body.
Shomen (the front) - One side of the bowl is the focal point.
Keshiki (landscapes) - It takes a long time to get to know you chawan
Each chawan reflects a distinct personality and history, inviting tea practitioners to forge a connection with these vessels over time through regular use and contemplation during tea ceremonies.
The careful craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating chawans elevate them beyond mere utensils, transforming them into works of art that enrich the tea experience and resonate with the deeper traditions and philosophies of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
teabowl / chawan (茶碗)
Chawans, or tea bowls, hold a pivotal role in the Japanese Tea Ceremony, as they are essential for serving and savoring tea. These vessels come in a variety of sizes and styles, each serving a specific purpose depending on factors like the type of tea being served, the season, and the aesthetic theme of the ceremony. The design and shape of the chawan can influence the experience of the tea ceremony, with shallow bowls cooling the tea quickly in summer and deep bowls retaining heat for longer enjoyment in winter.
Traditionally, chawans can be named after their creators, owners, or tea masters, adding a personal touch and significance to the vessel. Some chawans date back centuries and are considered precious heirlooms, reserved for special occasions. Hand-thrown chawans are highly valued for their craftsmanship, and imperfections are often prized, as they contribute to the unique character and charm of the bowl.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony pays attention to the symbolism and aesthetics of chawans, aligning the choice of the bowl with the season and overall theme of the ceremony. Various chawan styles like Wan-nari (wooden bowl-shaped), tsutsu-gata (cylindrical form), and Hatazori-gata (curving lip shape) offer a range of options for tea practitioners to select from, each contributing to the overall experience and atmosphere of the tea ceremony.
The practice of repairing broken chawans with lacquer and gold, known as Kintsugi or "joint with gold," symbolizes the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of flaws. This repair method not only serves a functional purpose but also conveys deeper philosophical meanings such as the celebration of humility and simplicity, aligning with the concept of Wabi within the tea ceremony's aesthetic principles. By embracing imperfections and incorporating repairs as a part of the bowl's narrative, the chawan becomes not just a container for tea but a reflection of the beauty found in embracing life's imperfections and transformations.
teacup / yunomi (湯飲み) vs teabowl / chawan (茶碗)
湯 Yu - meaning "hot water
飲み - Nomi - meaning to drink
The best English language equivalent is maybe "cup" or possibly even "hot beverage cup". Nowhere In yunomi 湯飲み do we find this Kanji character 茶, meaning tea. Chawan 茶碗 , the Kanji character 茶 means tea.
DŌGU 道具
Certainly, the world of traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, is rich and intricate, requiring a diverse array of tea implements and supplies known as Dōgu to conduct even the most basic ceremony. The comprehensive nature of these tools is reflected in the vast volume of literature dedicated to cataloging and detailing them, underscoring the depth and complexity of the tea ceremony tradition.
While a comprehensive list of all available tea implements and their variations could indeed fill numerous volumes, here is a brief overview of essential components commonly found in the practice of Chanoyu:
1. Chawan (Tea Bowl): The vessel in which matcha is prepared and served.
2. Chasen (Tea Whisk): Used to froth and mix the matcha powder with hot water.
3. Chashaku (Tea Scoop): Used to measure and transfer matcha powder into the chawan.
4. Kensui (Waste Water Bowl): A receptacle for waste water generated during the tea ceremony.
5. Futaoki (Lid Rest): A small rest used to hold the lid of the kettle or tea caddy.
6. Mizusashi (Cold Water Container): A container for fresh water used during the tea ceremony.
7. Kama (Iron Kettle): Used to heat water for preparing matcha.
8. Natsume (Tea Caddy): Container for storing matcha powder.
9. Hishaku (Water Ladle): Used to transfer hot water from the kettle to the tea bowl.
10. Kensui Hishaku (Waste Water Ladle): Used to discard the waste water from the bowl after washing.
Each of these items plays a crucial role in the tea ceremony, contributing to the overall aesthetic, ritual, and sensory experience of the event. Collecting these Dōgu can be a lifelong pursuit, with antique or artist-made pieces commanding high prices due to their craftsmanship, history, and cultural significance. For practitioners and tea enthusiasts, acquiring and caring for these tools is not only a practical necessity but also a meaningful journey of exploration, appreciation, and dedication to the art of Chanoyu.