Page 197 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

THE TEA CEREMONY Preparing the ancient tea utensils
The point of the chaji (ritual), in which for a chaji ceremony
a light meal and whisked powdered The tea ceremony is a well-orchestrated
matcha (tea) are served by a host to a series of events. First, you meet your
few invited guests, is summed up by fellow guests, before walking through
the samurai notion “one lifetime, one the grounds of the teahouse, performing
meeting” (ichigo, ichie). In other words, ablutions en route. Once you are inside the
this is a moment to be treasured. cell-like room, you should compli ment the
features of the room, and the quality of
TAKING THE TEA the utensils, as you watch the tea being
Valued for its medicinal qualities, tea was prepared. Only after bowing, can you
imported from China in the 8th century. consume the wagashi (sweet) and tea.
The nobility took to drinking it at lavish In Kyoto, where the tea ceremony was
parties, and Murata Shuko (1422–1502) developed, special rituals are put on for
later developed the custom’s spiritual tour ists, with commentary about the
aspects, which appealed to the samurai. complex etiquette and Zen ideals.

INSIDER TIP
The Perfect
Matcha
To drink matcha, sit
seiza (kneeling) on the
tatami mat, bow to your
host when offered a
steaming bowl, then
hold the tea with your
right hand, and place it
in the palm of your left.
Turn the bowl clockwise
about 90 degrees, raise
it with both hands, and
then empty the matcha
A host presenting a decorated bowl of in three gulps.
matcha to one of their guests

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