Ceremonial Ceramics: The Japanese Tea Ceremony Mrs. DiGiacomo Ceramics

The art of drinking tea is a very important part of Japanese culture The art of drinking tea is a very important part of Japanese culture. The tea ceremony, which originated in China, is a deep rooted tradition, influenced by the religion of Zen Buddhism in Japan.

What is involved in a Japanese Tea Ceremony? The experience has 3 dimensions : 1. it is a social event; 2. it stresses aesthetics 3. it can have a religious dimension

Tea Ceremonies take place in specially designed architecture Tea Ceremonies take place in specially designed architecture. Tea House Architecture is heavily influenced by Zen Buddhist aesthetics, with simple, stream-lined décor.

Traditional attire is the Kimono.

The tea is a powdered, bitter green tea (Matcha) mixed, by the host, with water before serving.

At longer tea ceremonies, food or sweets are served to complement the bitter tea. Food presentation is influenced by Zen aesthetics.

Utensils of the Ceremony

Chawan- the tea bowl, has no handles, but instead is cradled in the hands. Usually simple and rustic or hand-made in appearance. Always let front of chawan face outward when drinking.

Other utensils include: Cha-shaku - The bamboo tea scoop. Chasen- bamboo whisk Fukusa - A silk napkin used to hold and wipe utensils during a tea ceremony. Women usually carry scarlet fukusa, and men carry deep purple ones. Kama - Japanese iron tea kettle designed specifically for boiling water to prepare the powdered green tea. Mizusashi - The freshwater jar. This covered jar is almost always made of ceramic earthenware. It is placed directly in front of the host, so visual harmony along with the other utensils is very important.

Shino Tray- A specially glazed ceramic shallow platter for desserts.

The Choreography of the Ceremony

Events of the Tea Ceremony The steps to the ceremony depend on the formality and time of the actual gathering, but generally the host will : Clean the serving bowls and boil a pot of water. Serve a sweet treat or simple meal to guests before the tea. Mix powdered bitter green tea (Matcha) and water to make a frothy tea, and serve the tea to guests.

Taking the Tea Guests will: Remove shoes before entering! Bow when you receive the cup of tea which is called a chawan. Take the chawan with your right hand and place it in the palm of your left hand. Turn the chawan clockwise three times before you take a drink. When the tea is gone, make a loud slurp to tell the host that the tea was truly enjoyed. Wipe the part of the chawan your lips touched with your right hand. Turn the chawan counterclockwise and return to the host.

Questions to Consider: What other cultures and religions have traditions that involve eating and drinking? In our country, what can the Japanese Tea Ceremony be compared and contrasted with? How do the Zen Buddhist principles match the ritual of the tea ceremony? Where have you seen Zen influence in our everyday life?