This time I will introduce the procedure "Gosho-kago" devised by Urasenke ⅩⅣ Tantansai (1893-1964).
Gosho-kago is the basket designed from a box used in the Imperial Palace and contains the set of new implements for the tea box.
Two tea bowls are stacked on top of another and wrapped in a cloth pouch called Otsu-bukuro. The feature of this procedure is four “kobukusa” (square of classic patterned fabric), each of which has its own role. White one where tea container and scoop are placed, purple is used for making tea also two matching damask fabrics are used when serving the tea bowl to the guests. It is named "Shiki-shi-date” in Japanese because the “kobukusa” is lined up like colored papers (shiki-shi).
At the end of procedure the utensils are put in front of the guests so that they can see them (top left of the photo).The small wooden box on the far right is a “chakin” (linen cloth) box. Put a linen cloth in it and fold it again to use during tea making procedure.
The dry sweets are put in a small container made of gourd wrapped in a net, not pottery. (bottom right of the photo)
Everything is light with small sizes for going into the basket.
The basic tea box procedures were created by Urasenke Ⅺ Gengensai (1810-77) at the end of Edo period. Gosho-kago designed in Showa period (the late 20th century) has impressed us with the desire for new creation of Tantansai.
Hanging scroll "White Moon with Pure Wind ": The moon is white, and the wind is clean. Japanese pampas grasses are blowing in a slight breeze.
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