Lesson Blog Jan 17th, 2026 - Hatsugama (First Kettle) No.2

The second half of Hatsugama begins with metal gong as signal. This practice session assigns roles for the main guest and assistant for thick and thin tea.

The flowers on alcorve is Kamo Honami camellia and Himemizuki. The vibrant green bamboo vase is crafted by Sasaki Sōichi Sensei.

The thick tea is prepared in the “Hira-demae” style. Matcha for five persons was kneaded. The matcha is “Horai” (Matsuoen, Nagoya).

The following thin tea was the “Chabako (Tea Box)”procedure. The Kobori Enshu-ryu's Chabako is the “Hashidate Chabako.” It contained two tea bowls, an octagonal tea container, a tea scoop, a whisk, and a tea towel. Hidden in the drawer were konpeito candies (Ryokujuan Shimizu). For the third to fifth guests, western rice bowls and bowls were used as tea bowls. The sweets served were “Horse and Reins” (Kamehiroyasu, Kyoto). The matcha is “Fuyo no Midori” (Matsuoen, Nagoya).

After final greeting, the guests exited through the nijiriguchi entrance, and the door closed. Only the quiet sound of water from the tsukubai echoed within the tea room.

May this year bring you another wonderful year.