Kasei is a term of praise expressing clarity at a gathering, indicating an aesthetic that takes together the cleanliness of the utensils, the atmosphere of the sitting, and the transparency of the air.
In practice
It is used where the sense of purity connecting to the sei of wakei seijaku is being praised — a sitting with the character of kasei, utensils arranged with kasei.
Related terms
It sits near shojo (purity), seiga (refined clarity), and chomei (limpidity), and forms part of the vocabulary through which the "purity" of tea practice is described.
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
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The Japanese practice of preparing and serving powdered green tea, treated as a lifelong discipline rather than a beverage ritual.
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Finding sufficiency of mind within insufficiency and plainness; one of the root concepts of tea practice.
- Ichigo ichie (one time, one meeting)ichigo ichie
The principle that every gathering is unrepeatable, and should therefore be treated as if it will never occur again.
- Hi-iro (fire colour)hi-iro
Reddish-brown colouring produced on unglazed ware by the flame during firing.
- Bidoro (natural ash glaze)bidoro
Green glassy natural glaze on Shigaraki and Iga wares, formed by ash melting during firing.
- Iemoto (head of a school)iemoto
The hereditary head who holds a school's transmission and the authority to license teaching.
- Nyumon (entering a school)nyumon
Becoming a student of a school and beginning study; the start of the certificate sequence.