Yamahira Atsushi
Yamahira Masako
It was a sunny morning, and it was as if the rain forecast had been a lie. The cherry blossoms blossomed en masse against a sky cleared away by the previous day's strong winds.
In the fresh green garden, a field tea umbrella is raised. Today is a cherry blossom tea gathering with friends who like tea.
A Folding Screen Adorned with Seasonal Flowers
One of Joi's tea friends, Sohmi, took out cards called “Kagetsu Fuda" with a smile.
It seems they will use these cards to decide the order for arranging flowers.
Joi also arranged flowers in his favorite tea box (Chabako).
Then the flower arrangement of the day, made by all, was completed!
This became today’s tea ceremony folding screen adorned with flowers.
Tea Ceremony
After lunch, we enjoy a delightful tea time.
The center of the sweets is decorated in light blue and cherry blossom colors, representing a gathering of flowers resembling a raft, known as “Hanaikada” in Japan. These sweets are filled with a refined cherry red bean paste.
They drew Kagetsu Fuda again to determine the order of serving matcha.
When Joi opens the lid of the tea box, the tea ceremony begins.
Various tools come out of the tea box.
These slightly smaller utensils are both functional and beautiful.
Today's bowl of matcha is ready.
A bowl of matcha served outdoors has an exceptional taste.
And each person takes turns performing the tea ceremony.
Today's tea was made by Saboe. The fragrant and taste were perfect for a tea party outside.
It was a luxurious time to enjoy the cherry blossoms swaying in the sunshine, the spring breeze and the occasional birdsong.
The Pleasure of the Tea Box
After the tea ceremony, we had the pleasure of seeing Joi-san's tea box.
This beautiful tea box made of chestnut wood contains works by seven contemporary craftspeople, and its name is “掌” (which means Palm).
The bamboo tube that was used earlier as a flower container can also be used as a container for dried sweets called “Furidashi”.
We all picked them up and discussed the intricacy of the utensils and the depth of Shifuku.
The pinnacle of craftsmanship packed tightly into a small box. It was a moment to lose track of time in the fascination of the tea box, which is like a doorway to the vast world of tea.
Photo by Yamahira Atsuhiro Text by Yamahira Masako
