On receiving the bowl, the guest turns it about twice before drinking, so as not to drink from its front — the side with the most interesting feature, which the host has deliberately faced toward them. It is among the best-known gestures in tea practice and among the most misunderstood.
When it is done
After the host has set the bowl out and the guest has lifted it with both hands, before drinking. The matching gesture afterwards is to wipe the rim and turn the front back toward the host before returning the bowl.
What happens
The right thumb turns the bowl clockwise twice, moving the front away from the drinker. The number of turns and the direction differ in detail between schools.
What it expresses
The reasoning is that the most beautiful part of the bowl is what the host selected for this guest, and one would rather not put one's mouth to it. The gesture is not about hygiene and not about the bowl being precious; it is a small acknowledgement that a choice was made on your behalf.
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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Related terms
- Temae (the procedures of preparation)temae
The choreographed sequences for handling utensils and preparing tea; the substance of what students practise.
- Chakai (open tea gathering)chakai
A larger, less formal event with several sittings in a day; the usual way for newcomers to attend tea.
- Sorei (collective bow)sorei
A bow made by everyone together at the beginning and end of a sitting, marking its boundaries.
- Osaki ni (going before others)osaki ni
The phrase a guest says to the person beside them before taking sweets or tea ahead of them.
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Building the charcoal fire to keep the kettle at temperature; a quiet centrepiece of a full gathering.
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The charcoal procedure performed before the meal at a full gathering.