Japanese Tea Ceremony

There is a traditional tea ceremony called Sado in Japan.

Sado, also called Chado or Cha no yu, is the traditional etiquette of preparing and drinking tea when one has guests.

In Sado, special powdered tea called Macha, different from ordinary Japanese tea is chiefly used.

The powdered tea is put into a tea bowl, hot water is poured on it, it is whipped with a bamboo whisk till it foams and it is drunk.

In the Sixteenth century, Sen-no-Rikyu brought Sado to perfection by incorporating the simple aesthetic values known as Wabi (subtle taste) and Sabi (elegant simplicity) and the concept that every single encounter never repeats in a life time ( Ichigo ichie  「一期一会」).

【シニアの英会話】英会話を学べるYouTube厳選

新型コロナで外出自粛のいまこそ、英会話を基礎から学び直す絶好の機会です。YouTubeにアップされている英会話レッスンチャンネルの中から、シニアにおススメする厳選５チャンネルをご紹介します。私もオリンピックの大会ボランティアや夫婦での海外旅行を予定していますが、いまが英会話を学ぶのにちょうどよい機会...

enjoy-second-life.com

To make the encounter important, Teishu (the host of Sado ceremony) prepares with deep sincerity implements such as a hanging scroll or flowers to put in the alcove or the tea bowls.

From such activities, meanwhile, the guests know the host’s warm hospitality and are filled with gratitude.

The spirit of Sado is based on Zen Philosophy.

During the Kamakura period, Zen Philosophy became popular in Japan,so did Sado.

In Azuchi-Momoyama period, Sen-no-Rikyu invented “Wabicha” which became the origin of modern Japanese tea ceremony.

The act of making teas is called “Otemae.

” Teisyu brings Sado tools to make teas called “Macha”.

He cleans the Macha bowl and pours some hot water to warm up it.

Then, he adds Matcha, a powdered green tea in the tea bowl, pours hot water, stirs with a bamboo whisk called “Chasen” and serves it to his guests.

陶楽ショップ powered by BASE

陶芸好きのための陶芸便利帳サイト、「陶楽」でご紹介している陶芸家の作品を販売しています。「陶楽」は株式会社 銀座ネットギャラリーが運営する、陶芸を楽しみたいひとのための情報コンビニサイトです。　㈱ 銀座ネットギャラリー　Ginza Net Gallery Inc.東京都中央区銀座7-13-6 サガミ...

shop.to-raku.com

When you receive the tea bowl, you must bow first.

Before holding the bowl, you must say “Otemae itadakimasu”(which means I will have the tea you made wholeheartedly)  to Teishu.

You pick up the bowl with your right hand and put it on your left hand.

Then, turn the bowl twice clockwise.

Sado is based on Japanese spirit of hospitality.

Wabi-Sabi are Japanese senses of beauty, which mean “Beauty within simplicity.

” Wabi means “Something simple” and in Sado, it means “Beauty from simplicity.

”Wabicha is a type of tea that is simple in every way.

It minimizes the use of tools and puts an emphasis on simplicity  to express quietness.

Sabi means the beauty from serenity that comes with age.

Sen no Rikyu is the most famous tea master in past japan, who invented “Wabicha”,which became the origin of modern japanese tea ceremony.

Sen no Rikyu also introduced“Shiki shi-chi soku,”the rules of tea ceremony.

Shiki refers to the spirit of“Wakei sei-jaku.”

“Wa, Kei, Sei, Jaku”form the basic philosophy of Sado, stating the importance of purifying the atmosphere of the ceremony to soothe the guest’s heart.

“Wa”: Open each other’s heart.
“Kei” : Respect each other.
“Seu” : Purify your surrounding and your spirit.
“Jyaku”: Maintain a spirit of quietness.
“Shichi soku”are the seven rules that Teishu must follow when welcoming guests.

One: Make teas as if you understand your guest’s feeling.
Two: Prior to the ceremony,Teisyu must be prepared for the ceremony called“Chakai”.
Three: Feel the beauty and the dignity as it is.
Four: Serve your guests to match each season.
Five: Don’t rush the time.
Six: Be prepared for the worst situation.
Seven: Greet your guests from bottom of your heart.

プロの陶芸家にインタビュー～陶芸家 船越保さん【陶芸を語る】

自然と対話し、自然をそのままくりぬいたような造形美を追求する孤高の陶芸家船越保（ふなこし たもつ）さんが作るうつわの特徴の一つが、その流れるような造形美にある。ながく工業デザイナーとして活躍した経験から、自然に身に着いたものと思われる。作品は大きく信楽焼きと黒陶に分けられる。自然を愛し、自然と日々対...

to-raku.com

2022.10.11

Tea lunch 懐石料理

Kaiseki refers to a heated stone that a Zen priest holds to warm the chest.

Just as a small stone cannot sufficiently warm the body, neither can this cuisine, with its small amount of food, sufficiently satisfy an empty stomach.

It is mainly the simple meal served before having tea at a tea ceremony.

The art of the tea ceremony, based on the spirit of Zen Buddhism,aims at simplicity.

Accordingly, this cuisine also excludes meat and centers on a vegetable diet.

However, the kaiseki ryori served at restaurants is removed from the spirit of Buddhism and, instead of simplicity, only appears to have a rivalry of flavors all the time.

What is Wabi-Sabi ?  

Wabi ( 侘び in japanese : Sober refinement ) expresses a way of being quietly clear and calm. 

A frame of mind in which spiritual richness can be found in the simplicity and tranquility. 

This mentality forms an important basis of the traditional tea ceremony.  

Sabi ( 寂び in japanese : Quiet simplicity ) means having well seasoned, refined simplicity.

A poetic ideal fostered by Basho in haiku in which profound meaning can be found in detachment and dispassionateness.

Evocations of sabi in painting are seen in scenes of stillness. 

【シニアの英会話】英会話を学べるYouTube厳選

新型コロナで外出自粛のいまこそ、英会話を基礎から学び直す絶好の機会です。YouTubeにアップされている英会話レッスンチャンネルの中から、シニアにおススメする厳選５チャンネルをご紹介します。私もオリンピックの大会ボランティアや夫婦での海外旅行を予定していますが、いまが英会話を学ぶのにちょうどよい機会...

enjoy-second-life.com

Wabi and Sabi are the highest aesthetic values aimed at by traditional Japanese arts, particularly the tea ceremony called Sado and poems in seventeen syllables called Haiku.  

The two values have at bottom common qualities such as a sense of quiet sadness at the bottom, encouragement of simplicity and rejection of gaudiness. 

Wabi expresses a way of being quietly clear and calm, a state mainly pursued by Sen-no-Rikyu who perfected the art of the tea ceremony. 

Sabi means having well-seasoned, refined simplicity, an ideal state in Basho’s poems in seventeen syllables. 

Both men sought the beauty that is one with nature, free from worldly concerns and annoying human relations.

The subtle and profound（幽玄）

What is neither apparent in the meanings of words nor clearly visible to the eyes is, for these very reason, the aesthetic world that man can sense behind it all: This is Yugen.

It is one of the emotions flowing in the depths of the Japanese feelings that value suggestiveness and encourage brevity.

This kind of deep emotion is related to the process of shaping a short poetic style which tries to express everything using limited kinds and numbers of words.

 That is to say, the beauty of Yugen, which values suggestiveness, is an aesthetic quality that takes shape where only a few words can awaken many thoughts. 

Therefore, it can be said to be an aesthetic world made possible only in a community sharing a homogeneous culture, where people communicate without saying everything.

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】陶芸を独学？ 陶芸教室？オススメの学び方4選

陶芸を本格的に勉強したいと思ったとき、学習方法はおもに次の4つがあります。①独学、②陶芸教室、③大学、④訓練校。自分に向いている方法を見つけてください。本格的に学びたいのか、趣味でできればいいのか、それとも職人になりたいのか…それによって学ぶ方法は変わってきます。まずは近くの陶芸教室にお試しで入ってみるといいでしょう。

to-raku.com

2025.03.05

 Transiency（無常）

Transiency is one of the most important views of the world in Buddhism; it refers to the notion of the transmigration od souls,which holds that every single life inev1tably dies an everything is under constant change.

Since ancient times it has been a chief subject of literature in Japan, and has formed the underlying tone of such famous Japanese works as the “ Tale of Heike,” the “Ten-Foot-Square Hut,” and the “Essays in Idleness,” in the midieval times, and the “Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Basho in the Edo Period(1603-1867).

The “Tale of Heike” tells the story of the fall of Heike, the first clan of warriors that have enjoyed strong power: “….(Buddhlst teaching) reveals the law that the prosperous must decay, and pride goes before a fall….”.

And in the “Ten-Foot-Square Hut,” the essay begins with a view of the world as transient: “Ceaselessly the river flows, and yet the water is never the same.”

プロの陶芸家にインタビュー～陶芸家 船越保さん【陶芸を語る】

自然と対話し、自然をそのままくりぬいたような造形美を追求する孤高の陶芸家船越保（ふなこし たもつ）さんが作るうつわの特徴の一つが、その流れるような造形美にある。ながく工業デザイナーとして活躍した経験から、自然に身に着いたものと思われる。作品は大きく信楽焼きと黒陶に分けられる。自然を愛し、自然と日々対...

to-raku.com

2022.10.11

What is Ikebana（Kado）?

Kado is a traditional Japanese art originating from the Heian period in which flowers and plants are specially arranged in a vase for appreciation.It is also called Ikebana.

Those flowers are usually displayed in Tokonoma (japanese alcove).  

Ikebana began when the Buddhist monk offered flowers in front of a mortuary tablet. 

Flowers and plants in ikebana represent human life and express its beauty and respect.

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】日本の陶芸の歴史～縄文からの変遷を解説

普段私たちが使っている陶磁器の器、一体いつくらいから日本で作られるようになったと思いますか？一万六千年ほど前に始まったとされているんです。縄文土器から現在のような器になるまでには、さまざまな技術の進歩や時代ごとの変化がありました。そんな長い歴史を持つ日本の陶芸の歴史について、順に紐解いていきます。

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

In Ikebana, flowers also represent heaven, earth and human, which are to be arranged in a proper balance. 

People enjoy seeing the mystic power of plants expressed in the flowers and plants.  

 To Tamotsu Funakoshi style Ikebana

It was traditionally learnt by women as part of bridal training.

There are many styles in Ikebana. 

Based on Ikenobo style, there are about 2000-30000 kinds of styles.Ikenobo style is the base of Ikebana established by Senoh Ikebono. 

Ikenobo Senno made a school of Japanese flower arrangement.

Ikenobo Senno was a buddhist monk who strived to raise the artistic level of flower arrangement.    

There are three patterns ( Rikka, Shoka, Jiyuuka) in Ikenobo style.Ikebana is popular among many generations as enrichment lessons. 

Ikebana uses plants and flowers as Yorishiro (an object representative of a devine spirit).Ikebana exhibitions are held at exhibition spaces, post offices and train stations. 

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】陶磁器の見方、選び方、使い方のポイント

焼き物と一口に言っても陶器や磁器、炻器など、様々な種類があります。普段は何気なく使っているその食器、陶器か磁器かによって特徴がありますし、使うときやお手入れで注意したいポイントがあるんです。せっかく手に入れた器を長くきれいに使っていくためにも、その特徴と使うときの注意点を覚えておきましょう！

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

Rikka（立花 in japanese ）

Rikka is a technique of putting plants and flowers in a long and narrow vertical vase. 

Rikka is the basic form of Ikebana .

Rikka mainly represent beauty of landscape and the universe. 

Rikka represent providence of nature. 

SHOKA（生花 IN JAPANESE )

Shoka focuses on the beauty of birth, when plants start sprouting. 

Shoka represents the growing energy and feeling of life.   

Jiyuuka（自由花in japanese )

There are not any fixed styles in Jiyuuka. With Jiyuuka style, wide ranges of expression are available. 

Jiyuuka style is used in many interpretations of events.  

Manners

First, Seiza(sitting position where feet are folded under thighs) in front of the alcove of the room, then  bow once towards the flower before seeing. 

See the overall structure first, followed by arrangement of the flowers, floral vase and garden tub. 

Then enjoy the moment.

Lastly, bow to the person who put together the ikebana, showing the gratitude. 

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】日本の陶磁器の産地～六古窯＋25ヶ所を紹介

日本には、六古窯（ろっこよう）と呼ばれる陶磁器の産地があり、中世（平安時代〜室町時代）に始まり現在もなお生産が続いている越前・瀬戸・常滑・信楽・丹波・備前の6つの産地を指します。古くから焼き物の町として栄え、その伝統が受け継がれている地域です。それ以外で伝統的工芸品に指定されている陶磁器の産地は25ヶ所あります。

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

In Ikebana, flowers, grasses, trees, and all different kinds of plants are used. In Ikebana, flowers and plants are pierced with a needle called a “kenzan”. 

The flower arrangements are then placed into a water absorbent sponge which is called an “oasis”. In Ikebana, attention is also paid to the space in which the arrangements are to be placed. 

The result is quite different from using a flower arrangement where the look of the space isn’t considered.   

Flower arrangement called Kado is a traditional Japanese art that has flourished since the sixteenth century. 

Also called Ikebana, its origin is said to date from the sixth century when Buddhist priests offered up flowers before Buddha. 

Its fundamental concept is to express the three elements of heaven, earth, and mankind in a balanced composition, using natural flowers.

The general style is to fill a wide-mouthed, simple vase with water, and stick and heap up the flowers on kenzan, that is a metallic plate with a lot of thick needles pointing upwards. 

Natural beauty and one’s feelings are expressed by using scissors to adjust the length of the stems and to modify the shape of the leaves and by using the hands to add curvature.

Today, avant-garde Ikebana that does not even use plants is one genre of the art.

Basics of japanese dish arrangement

Let’s remember the fixed position when dishes are arranged in the meal for when you are sending out dishes to our customers.

The premise of placement is “easy to eat”.

Below, I will introduce the fixed position when arranging the dishes in the meal.

JAPANESE FOOD is very useful website.

Please refer to the next videos for details.

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】陶磁器の見方、選び方、使い方のポイント

焼き物と一口に言っても陶器や磁器、炻器など、様々な種類があります。普段は何気なく使っているその食器、陶器か磁器かによって特徴がありますし、使うときやお手入れで注意したいポイントがあるんです。せっかく手に入れた器を長くきれいに使っていくためにも、その特徴と使うときの注意点を覚えておきましょう！

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

How to use Chopsticks    

Why do not you practice how to hold the correct chopsticks on occasion? 

When you hold your chopsticks beautifully it seems that the work is beautiful by itself. 

Recently, more people bringing their own chopsticks are increasing. 

It is recommended to change your own chopsticks to the purpose of eco.

How to arrange dishes and hold chopsticks

How to hold the correct chopsticks and make the posture beautiful is the basis of beautiful manners. 

For ease of holding chopsticks, put the thicker part on the right. 

Lift bowl with the left hand, hold the center of the chopsticks and hold it with the right hand from the bottom and hold it cleanly.

Do not move the chopsticks below, just move the top chopsticks is the right way to hold chopsticks.

 Arrangement in the meal (Fixed position)

Rice is to the front. Soup is right in front. In the middle, pickled stuff. 

The left back is stewed dish, the back of the back is main dish. 

Baked goods on the far side In a drinking-table etc.

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】やきものの種類～ その違いと特徴を解説

やきもの種類は4つ。陶器、磁器、炻器（せっき）、土器です。①陶器は吸水性があり、温かみがある。美濃焼や瀬戸焼、益子焼、笠間焼、唐津焼が有名。②磁器は石から作られ、白くて硬い。有田焼、京焼、九谷焼が有名。③炻器は土をかたく焼き締めたもの。信楽焼、備前焼、丹波焼が有名。④土器は低温で焼かれたもろい焼き物。園芸用の鉢など。

to-raku.com

2025.03.05

 Basics when serving in sake cups etc.

At the sake ‘s seat, rice will come out later, so we will not arrange them together on the table. 

Glass is left front, Soup is right in front, An appetizer in the middle, Two rows left side is stewed dish, Sashimi in the center, Right is grilled, Deep-fried in the middle of vinegared on the far left, Steamed in the back right. 

Chopstick 箸（はし）

Chopsticks(hashi) are two sticks that hold food between than when one eats. 

They were brought from ancient China. 

In Japan, Hashi are almost always used when eating.

Most are made of wood or bamboo painted with lacquer or of plastic, but there are also high-class ones with the inside made of ivory.

Hashi put out for visitors or in restaurants are half-split chopsticks; made of unfinished wood, they are to be used and thrown away. 

Most Japanese are skillful at using Hashi, because they learned how from their parents during childhood.

Vessels made of earth, coated with a glaze and baked are ceramics and are not permeable by light. 

Meanwhile, porcelain are very hard and are permeable by light. 

These are all generally called Tojiki in japan.

Tojiki are not only for practical use but are often works appreciated for their high art.

In the art of flower arrangement（Ikebana or Kado）and the tea ceremony（Sado）, the very appreciation of the flower vases and tea cups as vessels for their own sake is regarded as important; those arts, therefore, were connected all the more to the development of Tojiki. 

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】やきものの種類～ その違いと特徴を解説

やきもの種類は4つ。陶器、磁器、炻器（せっき）、土器です。①陶器は吸水性があり、温かみがある。美濃焼や瀬戸焼、益子焼、笠間焼、唐津焼が有名。②磁器は石から作られ、白くて硬い。有田焼、京焼、九谷焼が有名。③炻器は土をかたく焼き締めたもの。信楽焼、備前焼、丹波焼が有名。④土器は低温で焼かれたもろい焼き物。園芸用の鉢など。

to-raku.com

2025.03.05

Tojiki are also referred to as Setomono, a term taken from Seto city in Aichi prefecture, a well-known production site. 

Representative ceramics are Shigaraki ware from Shiga and Bizen ware from Okayama; among porcelains, Imari ware from Saga prefecture and Kutani ware from Ishikawa are famous. 

【陶芸入門】初心者向けに陶芸をYouTubeで紹介

「陶楽 TO-RAKU.COM」サイトでは記事のほかに、初心者向けにYouTubeで陶芸を紹介する動画「陶芸入門」を作成しました。陶芸入門の記事、「その１からその20まで」を、YouTubu版にして収録しました。これを動画で、陶芸の一般的な知識がすべてわかります。

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】日本の陶磁器の産地～六古窯＋25ヶ所を紹介

日本には、六古窯（ろっこよう）と呼ばれる陶磁器の産地があり、中世（平安時代〜室町時代）に始まり現在もなお生産が続いている越前・瀬戸・常滑・信楽・丹波・備前の6つの産地を指します。古くから焼き物の町として栄え、その伝統が受け継がれている地域です。それ以外で伝統的工芸品に指定されている陶磁器の産地は25ヶ所あります。

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

How to select Yakimono

Yakimono has two roles.

One is the function to use and the other is the decorativeness to appreciate.

Yakimono of mass production is enough if you think ease of use.

Please refine the aesthetic sensation that you feel beautiful using real Yakimono and make your daily life more pleasant and comfortable.

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】やきものの種類～ その違いと特徴を解説

やきもの種類は4つ。陶器、磁器、炻器（せっき）、土器です。①陶器は吸水性があり、温かみがある。美濃焼や瀬戸焼、益子焼、笠間焼、唐津焼が有名。②磁器は石から作られ、白くて硬い。有田焼、京焼、九谷焼が有名。③炻器は土をかたく焼き締めたもの。信楽焼、備前焼、丹波焼が有名。④土器は低温で焼かれたもろい焼き物。園芸用の鉢など。

to-raku.com

2025.03.05

Let’s touch first 

Unlike paintings and sculptures, it is important that Yakimono touch by hand and feel it with your hand as you see it. 

Let’s have knowledge 

In order to cultivate rich sensibilities and distinguish Yakimono of good quality, it is necessary to know materials, molding method, glaze, decoration technology. 

Let’s mature

When you first have dishes, imagine how the dishes were served with dishes and arranged like a table. Imagine how flowers are used in vases when you hold a vase.

The charm of Yakimono lies in the beauty of when Yakimono is completed as a set with cooking and flowers. 

Let’s not choose by price

What kind of Yakimono you choose depends on your aesthetic sense.

The expensive Yakimono is not necessarily a good Yakimono.

It is fun to cultivate your own viewing eyes, find a wonderful Yakimono and increase your Yakimono collection. 

【趣味で始める陶芸入門】陶磁器の見方、選び方、使い方のポイント

焼き物と一口に言っても陶器や磁器、炻器など、様々な種類があります。普段は何気なく使っているその食器、陶器か磁器かによって特徴がありますし、使うときやお手入れで注意したいポイントがあるんです。せっかく手に入れた器を長くきれいに使っていくためにも、その特徴と使うときの注意点を覚えておきましょう！

to-raku.com

2024.12.19

Japanese-style dishes in daily life

how to arrange Japanese-style dishes

1, Combine porcelain and pottery. 

2, Use Japanese dishes for Western style. 

3, Entertain many customers. 

4, Use for dinner only for two people. 

5, Enjoy with the equipment of everyday use.

How to choose,use,handle vessels(Utsuwa)

Points of selecting Utsuwa

1, Choose what you want to use in advance and choose. 

2, Choose according to the age and composition of family and lifestyle. 

3. First, arrange from a simple vessel. 

4, Choose playful Utsuwa, such as rice bowsl, tea bowls, small bowls, small dishes, chopsticks restraint and so on. 

5, regardless of the set dishes. 

6, The vessels have appropriate sizes, choose a sturdy and easy to handle. 

7, Touch sensitive. 

8, See as many vessels as possible.

 Devices for using equipment

1, Devise the arrangement of vessels and use it.

2, Use the same vessels variously.