A mei is the proper name given to a tea utensil — a scoop, bowl, flower vessel, or incense container. A single word drawn from a season, a theme, a classical episode, or a poem gives the object its individuality and condenses the intention of the whole sitting. The name raises the value of the object and also serves as the medium through which the host's mind reaches the guest.
Origins
Naming objects has long been an important part of a practitioner's work, and Rikyu, his grandson Sotan, and Kobori Enshu among many others gave names to utensils. Most derive from waka, Chinese verse, Zen phrases, or classical episodes, packing a wide field of association into one word. Tea scoops in particular are usually named by the person who carved them, with the name written on the tube, so the maker's feeling is directly present.
In practice
Guests ask the name during the examination of utensils, and the answer is part of the conversation. Asking after a scoop's name is asking what the host meant by the day — which is why the question is expected rather than intrusive.
Sources
- 銘（デジタル大辞泉 / 精選版 日本国語大辞典） / コトバンク
Supports: 銘が、すぐれた器物・茶・酒・香・墨などに特につける名称であること
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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