The festive holiday season has come to an end. Especially at the end of 2023, many New Yorkers welcomed the new year with loved ones or in solitary reflection amidst the mild weather.
In November, a notable change occurred in the tea room, which ushered in a shift from 風炉 (Furo) to 炉 (Ro) to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Gathering around the flickering flames and facing each other, participants find the joy of intimate tea practices and ceremonies. As the cold deepens, a special tea gathering emerges - "Yobanashi (Night Chat)," held under the candlelights.
During Night Chat, attendees convene at sunset, immersing themselves in the enchanting ambiance illuminated by candlelight for the entire tea ceremony. This distinctive gathering, held from November to approximately February, deviates from regular tea ceremonies by featuring two servings of Usucha (matcha): one upon seating and another following Koicha (thick matcha). Moreover, the host extends warmth through offerings of different drinks such as herbal sweet soup, koji sake, or yuzu tea before entering the tea room. The essence of this ceremony lies in cherishing the host's considerate gestures and hospitality, all while embracing the essence of the season.
Within the softly illuminated space, where arrangements remain discreet, guests find their attention captivated by flickering flames, subtle sounds, and gentle touches. Kimura Soshin, a tea master affiliated with the Urasenke school, places particular emphasis on the black Raku tea bowl in his writings. He describes these vessels as ones where the vibrant green of matcha doesn't take center stage; they aren't crafted for mere ornamentation. Instead, Raku bowls are designed to enhance matcha's tactile sensation, warmth, and fragrance. By relying less on sight and embracing other senses, participants can truly relish the tea gathering and create lasting memories.
In contrast, contrary to the warm and gentle holiday season in New York, the first day of 2024 brought a devastating earthquake to the city Noto Peninsula, Kanazawa Craft Region, Japan. Local artists shared images of the severe damage to their studios on social media. The deterioration of workshops, the accumulating age of artists, and the recent natural disasters have led to the closure of many craft businesses. To support and celebrate the city, its local businesses, and their craft art, art lovers outside of Japan join their ecosystem by engaging in discussions and actively continuing to use and purchase these crafts.
With newly resolute hearts in the new year, focusing on areas not typically considered personal space—such as the tea room—invites a sharpening of the senses. Starting the new year with a slightly broader perspective becomes an empowering choice.
References:
Kimura Soshin, Rikyū Nyūmon (Introduction to Rikyū), Shinchosha (2010)
Curations and Photos by Keiko Taniguchi
