The kininguchi is a large entrance built so that a guest of high rank can enter without stooping. It appears either alongside a nijiriguchi in a small room or as the principal entrance in a larger one. How rank is expressed and how movement through the space is planned are linked here in a way visible in the architecture itself.
Origins
In warrior society, a gathering receiving a lord or a person of high standing could not appropriately require them to crouch as the nijiriguchi does. A dedicated entrance was therefore provided, and the arrangement is common in warrior-class and shoin-style tea.
Why it matters
The nijiriguchi is often explained as suspending rank inside the tea room. The existence of the kininguchi shows that this was a claim made within limits: where the guest's rank was high enough, the architecture accommodated it rather than levelling it.
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.
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The principle that every gathering is unrepeatable, and should therefore be treated as if it will never occur again.
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A low, small doorway that obliges every guest to crouch and bow when entering the tea room.
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The raised alcove holding the hanging scroll and flowers; the place where a gathering's theme is stated.