Chaki is the general term for the vessels that hold matcha for a procedure. Broadly it divides into two lines — thin-tea containers (usuchaki) and thick-tea jars (chaire) — and narrowly it is often used for the thin-tea containers, of which the natsume is representative. It holds the tea and is at the same time a central vehicle for the host's intention.
Origins
Thick-tea jars, both imported and domestic, have been prized since early times, and many are ranked as celebrated utensils. Thin-tea containers developed mainly in lacquer, spreading as plain but richly designed vessels. Lacquerers and other hereditary craftspeople have refined the forms across generations.
In practice
The term appears in discussing selection — the combination of chaki, choosing the chaki. Knowing whether a speaker means the broad or narrow sense usually depends on whether thick tea is under discussion.
Sources
- 茶器（デジタル大辞泉 / 精選版 日本国語大辞典 / 改訂新版 世界大百科事典） / コトバンク
Supports: 「茶器」が広義には茶道具全般を指し、狭義には薄茶を入れる容器（薄茶器）を指すという二重の用法を持つこと。狭義の例として肩衝・丸壺・棗が挙げられること
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
Tea ceremony descriptions can vary by school and source. Where interpretations differ, this glossary avoids definitive claims and focuses on broadly shared understandings. If you notice an error, please let us know viaContact. To learn about our organization, seeAbout Chaen.
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