Happy New Year.

The tea utensils for the first tea are the combination of “daisu” and “kaigu”. The kaigu is a set of tea utensils with the same color pattern such as “mizusashi”,” kensui” and others. This color pattern is called auspicious crest “seigaiha”(blue ocean waves), where pine, plum, and willow are depicted. The gorgeous colors of Kyoto ware stand out against the black “daisu”.

The hanging scroll with the words "好日“（Good day) also conveys the celebration of new year. The flower vase is made by Eiraku Sokuzen (16th generation Zengoro).

The lady making tea by the “ryurei” (using tables) is in her 80s and continues to enjoy the tea in the ryurei style because it is difficult for her to sit properly for a long time. The kimono always suits her very well.

The tea-making tables are those in my living room.

Everyone in Friday's class was there, smiling and saying, "The thin tea is served by the ryurei and the thick tea is served with the daisu, so it's lovely like a tea gathering.'' 🙂

(Photo above)

The new year sweet is "hanabira-mochi" (petallike cake) sold only in early January at Tama plaza "Chanoha". It is soft and delicious. The dried sweets are made by Tsuruya Yoshinobu in Kyoto.

The “natsume” is called “Akebono “(dawn of day) painted with the pattern of pine and crane. The tea scoop is named “The first spring''. (Photo below)

I hope everyone will have a good and enjoyable tea this year as well.