How to Use a Japanese Tea Set

A Japanese tea ceremony is an ancient and beautiful tradition.

Japanese tea ceremony, or the way of tea, is an ancient tradition. Japanese tea sets are used in these ceremonies, which place greater emphasis on the preparation and presentation of green tea, or matcha, than its actual consumption. In Japanese, the performance of the tea ceremony is called otemae. A Japanese tea set is called chadogu, and the person using the set is called a teishu. This 9th century ceremony draws its spiritual significance from Buddhism, and remains an important cultural tradition in Japan.

Things You'll Need

• Chakin (small cloth napkin)
• Chawan (clay tea bowl)
• Natsume (lidded jar containing powdered green tea)
• Chashaku (thin bamboo tea scoop)
• Chasen (bamboo tea whisk)
• Kama (kettle of hot water)

Instructions

Using Your Tea Set in a Tea Ceremony

1. Arrange an ochakai, or a tea gathering. Japanese tea ceremony is a communal event. Ockakai involves publicly preparing tea according to the traditions of the tea ceremony, and then serving the tea to the guests, along with sweet deserts made from red bean paste. An authentic ochakai will last up to four hours. For nonprofessionals, an ochaki can involve merely inviting friends to enjoy tea and learn the use of the Japanese tea set.

2. 

   A tatami room is the traditional site for using a Japanese tea set.

   Designate an area to use your Japanese tea set. Ideally this would be a tatami room, a room in traditional Japanese houses floored by bamboo mats. If you do not have a tatami room, you may use a peaceful living room or garden.

3. Remove your shoes. Clean your hands and mouth. These steps are essential to honoring the tradition of the tea ceremony, since a Japanese tea set is used to carry out an ancient tradition.

4. Kneel on the floor and surround yourself with all of your materials, including a kettle of hot water. If you have arranged an ochakai and have friends present, they should also kneel on the floor and watch you prepare the tea.

5. Wipe your tea bowl clean with your chakin, or napkin, in front of your guests. This step represents important, ritualistic cleansing.

Tea Preparation

1. Decide whether you are preparing koicha, thick tea, or usucha, thin tea. If you are preparing thick tea, use the tea whisk to place three scoops of matcha powder in your tea bowl. Pour hot water from the kettle into the bowl. Estimate about 1/4 cup. The measurement does not need to be exact. To make thin tea, place two scoops of matcha powder in the bowl, and add about 1/2 cup of water.

2. Place your hand on the edge of the bowl, clutching the bamboo whisk. Keeping your hand steady against the side of the bowl, rapidly whisk the tea until it becomes frothy. Thick tea will be sludgy, while thin tea will be an opaque liquid. Use your napkin, to wipe the side of the tea bowl if you spill any of the contents.

3. 

   Materials that accompany most Japanese tea sets.

   Allow your guests to drink the tea. You may wish to serve sweets as well. Use different bowls for each person. Or if you only have one bowl, clean it between uses.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to learn how to use your tea set is by taking a course in Japanese tea ceremony. Investigate courses offered in your community, and you will learn more nuances of authentic preparation and presentation of tea, such as what words to say, and motions to perform. Local universities are good places to seek these lessons.

References

• North Central College: The Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Urasenke Foundation: Chado, the Way of Tea
• UCLA: An Anthropological Perspective on the Japanese Tea Ceremony

Resources

• "The Tea Ceremony"; Seno Tanaka; 2000