Hello everyone,
I hope you're all doing well. This is Keko from the online staff.
We offer a ground tea experience at our Honten tea room in Uji, Kyoto.
We would like to introduce the "tsurigama" which can be seen in April.
During the month of April, particularly in traditional tea ceremonies, you may encounter a unique sight known as the "tsurigama" or "hanging kettle." This practice involves suspending the kettle from the ceiling, a tradition that dates back centuries and is closely tied to the intricacies of tea preparation.
The significance of the tsurigama lies in its practical function and symbolic importance.
As the weather transitions from the colder months into the warmer spring season, tea practitioners adjust their brewing techniques to accommodate these changes.
By suspending the kettle slightly away from the charcoal fire, they can control the intensity of the heat more precisely.
This subtle adjustment serves two main purposes:
- Prevention of Boiling Over: By positioning the kettle at a distance from the heat source, the tea master can regulate the temperature more effectively. This prevents the water from boiling too vigorously and spilling over, ensuring a smooth and controlled brewing process. This is particularly important for delicate teas, where excessive heat can adversely affect the flavor and aroma.
- Symbolism of Seasonal Transition: Beyond its practical utility, the tsurigama holds deeper symbolic significance in the context of the changing seasons. As spring heralds a time of renewal and rejuvenation, the hanging kettle represents a departure from the strictures of winter and a transition into a more relaxed and leisurely pace. It embodies the harmonious relationship between human ingenuity and the natural world, as tea practitioners adapt their practices to align with the rhythms of nature.
The tsurigama is a testament to the meticulous attention to detail and profound reverence for tradition that characterizes the art of tea ceremony.
It exemplifies the delicate balance between technique and intuition, where even the slightest adjustments can have a profound impact on the quality of the tea and the overall experience for participants.
Thus, encountering a hanging kettle during the month of April offers not only a visual spectacle but also a glimpse into the rich tapestry of cultural heritage woven into the fabric of tea culture.
In cherishing this uniquely Japanese culture, we not only celebrate its rich heritage but also recognize the value of living in harmony with nature. Through practices like the hanging kettle, we can learn to appreciate the subtle changes that occur with each passing season and find joy in the simple pleasures of life.