The Japanese culture is an interesting one that has enchanted people for decades. One of the more enchanting elements is the Japanese Tea Ceremony, which has been around for over five hundred years. Usually the intricate ceremony is performed as an act of hospitality. It can be performed both outdoors and indoors.  As beautiful as the ceremony can be, everything must be performed to perfection with the proper equipment.

The ceremony equipment is treated with the utmost respect. There is a wide range of equipment used and each piece is important in its own way. This equipment includes the Chakin, which is a white cloth used to wipe the tea bowl. This cloth is usually made from linen or hemp.

The Tea Bowl, which is used to drink the tea. There are many different sizes and styles of bowls for thick or thin tea.  Although Tea Ceremony equipment is treated with the utmost respect and care, imperfections and irregularities on the tea bowl, only on the tea bowl, are prized and shown off by having them as the ‘front’ of the bowl. Four hundred year old tea bowls are still used today, but only for special occasions.

The Tea Caddy is a small container for the tea that is to be used for the ceremony.

The Tea Scoop is used to scoop the tea out from the caddy. It is usually made of bamboo or ivory.

Then, there is the Tea Whisk. The tea whisk is used to mix the tea and hot water together. The whisk is usually made of bamboo, and is often replaced as it wears down quickly.

Both the scoop and the whisk are carved from a single piece of bamboo.

The Chabako temae, or just temae, is the box where the equipment is stored when not in use.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Tea. The tea is not the average Green Tea leaves. It is in fact powdered tea. There are two types of this special tea: thick, and thin. Before the ceremony, the tea is scooped out, privately and away from observers, with a bigger tea scoop. This is usually done in the preparation area, or a ‘mizuya’ in Japanese. 

Japan has a rich history and culture. From noble Samurai to the polite Tea Ceremony to the entertaining Anime shows, there is much that can be learned from these people.