Mikomi refers to the interior of a bowl, particularly the central part of the base. The green of the whisked tea, and the appearance of what remains after drinking, are concentrated here.
What to look at
The width and depth of the interior, the glaze, and any painting are among the elements deciding a bowl's individuality. Looking slowly at the pooled remainder of tea after drinking is a pleasure specific to the interior.
In practice
During examination the bowl is tilted to see the interior. It is the part where the host's choice of glaze and painting shows most delicately, and it is only visible once the tea is finished — which is one reason drinking the tea completely is expected.
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
- Category
- Term
Related terms
- Chado (The Way of Tea)chado
The Japanese practice of preparing and serving powdered green tea, treated as a lifelong discipline rather than a beverage ritual.
- Wabiwabi
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.
- Shomen (the front)shomen
The face of a bowl or container turned toward the guest; the side with the best keshiki.
- Keshiki (the 'landscape' of an object)keshiki
The collective term for what is worth looking at in a utensil — glaze flow, distortion, kiln effects, age.
- Do (the body)do
The whole side of a vessel, running from shoulder to waist; the largest determinant of its form.
- Kodai (foot ring)kodai
The foot at the base of a bowl or jar; cut last, and the place where the maker's hand shows most directly.