The daisu is a large two-board stand and the most formal of all utensil stands. It is the origin of the whole family of stands, and the procedures performed with it sit at the top of every school's system. A student normally reaches daisu procedures only after years of practice.
History
The daisu came from China and was used in the shoin style of tea, where imported treasures were displayed on it. Rikyu retained it for the most formal occasions while developing the smaller, plainer stands that suited wabi practice. Because it belongs to the older, more ceremonial layer of the tradition, it preserves conventions that the simpler stands dropped.
In practice
The full set of utensils is displayed on the two boards from the start, so nothing is carried in during the procedure. Movements are correspondingly slower and more prescribed. Daisu procedures are generally taught last and are used at gatherings marking a significant occasion.
Sources
- 台子（デジタル大辞泉 / 精選版 日本国語大辞典） / コトバンク
Supports: 入宋した南浦紹明が仏具として持ち帰ったと伝えられること、及台子・真台子・竹台子・桑台子・高麗台子などの種類があること
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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Related terms
- Naga-ita (long board)naga-ita
A single long lacquered board used as a simplified daisu, carrying formal conventions in a lighter setting.
- Kaigu (matched set of four)kaigu
A water jar, waste-water vessel, ladle stand, and lid rest matched in material and design; the summit of formality.
- Daisu-demae (formal stand procedure)daisu-demae
The procedures performed with the daisu stand, standing at the top of every school's system.
- Shakutate (ladle stand)shakutate
An upright vessel holding the ladle and fire tools, used in the most formal stand procedures.
- Shin-gyo-so (three degrees of formality)shin-gyo-so
A three-level scale of formality — formal, semi-formal, informal — applied to procedures, utensils, and rooms.