The futaoki is a small object on which the kettle lid or the ladle rests during a procedure. It disappears in the hand, yet its range of material, form, and reference is so wide that it has become the utensil through which a host can be most inventive about season and theme.
History
A plain length of green bamboo was long regarded as the most formal wabi choice, with node position and dimensions fixed in Rikyu's time. Alongside it, seven traditional bronze and sahari forms established themselves early. Ceramic, wood, and ivory rests followed. Countless examples were made to the taste of particular practitioners, and mitate — using something never made as a lid rest — is common here.
Types
Bamboo rests include hikkiri (cut with the node at the top), wanuki (node removed), green bamboo, and smoked bamboo; a formal gathering uses new green bamboo. The seven traditional metal forms are hoya, gotoku (an inverted trivet), mitsuba, kani (crab), sazae (turban shell), sanninkyo, and ikkanjin. Beyond these: Raku, Shino, and blue-and-white ceramics, plain wood, ivory, crystal, and adapted objects — a celadon piece read as ice in summer, a plant-patterned ceramic in winter.
In practice
Placement and orientation follow detailed conventions that vary by school. Bamboo rests are treated as single-use, and a new green one is prepared for a formal gathering. Metal and ceramic rests are reused but must still be chosen to match the season and the formality of the occasion, which puts the host's judgement on display.
Sources
- 蓋置（デジタル大辞泉 / 精選版 日本国語大辞典 / 日本大百科全書 / ブリタニカ国際大百科事典） / コトバンク
Supports: 蓋置が点前で釜の蓋や柄杓を置く道具で、竹製・陶製・金属製などがあること。桃山期に火舎・五徳・一閑人・三つ人形・蟹・栄螺・三つ葉の「七種蓋置」が制定されたこと
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.