In early summer, the tea room is changed from the “ro” into the “furo” style.
The hydrangeas came early this year, and I arranged pale purple flowers in a basket vase. The hanging scroll is "Sei (静)", and is written by Yasutoshi Yamaki, the chief steward of Rokuon-ji Temple. I bought it at Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. It’s one character of "Wakei Seijaku(和敬静寂 : harmony, respect, purity and tranquility)" that expresses the spirit of tea and gives off a dignified feeling.
The utensil stand is a simple round wooden table with a “mizusasuehi" painted by blue and white colors (染付). The “natsume” is a Yamanaka-nuri “Ao-kaede" lacquerware with a shape called "Kinrin-ji". The shape is based on the temple's sutra tube. The fresh green leaves of the maple and the wood grain are beautiful.
The tea scoop is made by Shodo Maeda of Daitoku-ji Zuihoin Temple, and is inscribed "Kissa-ko (喫茶去)". (Bottom photo) Kissa-ko" is a Zen phrase meaning "enjoy tea". This phrase is also often used for hanging scrolls. This was the first thing I bought when I opened the tea room in my house, and it's a commemorative tea scoop that reminds me of my roots as a beginner.
The sweet is "Usu-goori" (thin ice), a famous Toyama confectionery.
It's uniquely thin, like cracked ice, and is sweet and delicious. It's a gift from my friend 🎁 Please enjoy a cup of refreshing tea at the first “furo” in May.
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