The sunken hearth (“ro”) is finally open. November is said to be the New Year of tea. The tearoom is changed from a brazier (“furo”) style to a sunken hearth (“ro”) to welcome the autumn to spring season.
This year, “ro” is closed in middle of March because of COVID-19 and opened for the first time in eight months. It was a different year than usual also due to the long rainy season and intense heat. I am happy to be able to hear to the sound of boiling water in the large kettle now.
Introduction of utensils
Hanging scroll: [Un-mon says “Kan”] written by Sasaki Soshu who was studied the tea together under the same teacher when I opened my tearoom in 1989.
Flower container: red-picture vase with warm shades of folk art made by Shimaoka Tatsuzo. His teacher is Shoji Hamada who is one of famous ceramists in Japan.
“Mizusashi” (fresh-water container): Grape shelf made by Tokusen Nishimura in Kyoto.
“Chaire”(ceramic container for powdered thick tea): The type of shape is called “Katatsuki” (protruding shoulder) made by Tochi Kiln in Karatsu. The cloth pouch for tea caddy is named “Tosai kando” (ten colors striped pattern).
“Natsume” (container for powdered thin tea): “Unkin” (cherry and autumn leaves) in middle size made by Kojima Shikkosai in Matsue who is related to Matsudaira Fumai (a daimyo tea person in the 19th century) and currently in his 7th generation. (Bottom of photo)
“Chashaku” (tea scoop): It was made of old bamboo by the chief priest Myodo of Tamaryu temple in Mie prefecture. The poetic name is "Chitose" (a thousand years). The tip is mountain-shaped and has an angle.
Tea bowl: Oribe half cylinder type made by Seiho Hasegawa. Ivy made by Heian kiln Shiun in Kyoto. Ivy painting is the colors of autumn.
The "Kan" of the hanging scroll generally means a barrier, which is a paradoxical question for meditation (presented to one seeking to learn the secrets of Zen). Quoted from the commentary, it says, "thank you for the reward and renew your quest and see it". It is a Zen word suitable for the opening up “ro” at the New Year of tea. This calligraphy has been around for over 30 years, but fortunately it can be stored beautifully, and whenever I hang it, I always remember that time.
The thick tea is prepared by the woman (in her 80s) who has continued to learn tea together. The calligraphy of “Kan” to celebrate the opening of sunken hearth(“ro”) with people who have valued exchanges between each other for many years. I am so happy that we have been able to continue tea together.
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