The haboki is a brush made from three feathers, used during the charcoal procedure to sweep ash from the frame of the hearth or the rim of the brazier. It is the gentlest of the fire tools and the one that visibly leaves the fire area clean.
Types
Feathers from various birds are used, and formal practice distinguishes between them. The direction the feathers curve determines whether a brush belongs to the hearth or the brazier — an example of a convention that looks arbitrary until one sees the sweeping gesture it serves.
In practice
The host sweeps the frame in a prescribed order after the charcoal is arranged. Because feathers wear and soil, the brush is periodically replaced. It is examined with the rest of the fire tools.
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
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Term info
- Category
- Tool
Related terms
- Sumitemae (charcoal procedure)sumitemae
Building the charcoal fire to keep the kettle at temperature; a quiet centrepiece of a full gathering.
- Sumitori (charcoal basket)sumitori
The basket or box holding charcoal and fire tools for the charcoal procedure.
- Kamashiki (kettle rest)kamashiki
A pad or ring on which the hot kettle is set down when it is lifted off the fire.