The kamashiki is what the kettle rests on when it is taken off the fire — during the charcoal procedure, or when water is added from a separate vessel. It protects the mats and gives the host somewhere to put a heavy, very hot object.
Types
Woven or plaited forms of paper cord, rattan, and bamboo are common, as are lacquered wooden rings and, less often, ceramic. Folded paper is also used, and in that form it is a consumable made up before the gathering.
In practice
It is brought in with the charcoal basket, set down, and the kettle placed on it while the fire is worked. Because it appears only briefly, it is easy to overlook, but its material is chosen against the rest of the fire tools.
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.
Term info
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- Tool
Related terms
- Chaki (tea containers, collectively)chaki
The general term for vessels holding matcha, divided into thin-tea containers and thick-tea jars.
- Chasen (tea whisk)chasen
A whisk cut from a single piece of bamboo, used to mix matcha with water; treated as a consumable.
- Chashaku (tea scoop)chashaku
A slender bamboo scoop for measuring matcha, often carved by the host and given a poetic name.
- Haboki (feather brush)haboki
A brush of bird feathers used to sweep ash from the edges of the hearth or brazier.
- Haisaji (ash scoop)haisaji
A small scoop for shaping the ash in the brazier or hearth.