Kufu is devising something particular for a given sitting and given guests while remaining within a school's conventions. It names the working of a host's invention.
In practice
The word is used in praise of that invention — "a combination with kufu in it", "the host's kufu". The constraint matters: invention that ignores the conventions is not kufu but error.
Related concepts
It is closely tied to mitate, toriawase, and the composition of utensils, and is among the elements that show a host's ability most plainly.
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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