Shozumi-demae is the first of the two charcoal procedures, performed before the meal. Its purpose is to build the fire so that the kettle will hold temperature through the meal, the withdrawal, and thick tea — a span of two hours or more.
In practice
Because it has to sustain the fire for so long, the arrangement is fuller than in the second charcoal procedure, and the ash work is finished carefully since guests will be looking at it for the rest of the gathering. Incense is added at the end. Guests examine the incense container and charcoal basket afterwards.
Sources
- 炭手前（精選版 日本国語大辞典） / コトバンク
Supports: 炭手前に初炭手前と後炭手前の別があり、初炭手前が最初に行う炭点前であること
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.
Term info
- Category
- Etiquette
Related terms
- Temae (the procedures of preparation)temae
The choreographed sequences for handling utensils and preparing tea; the substance of what students practise.
- Chakai (open tea gathering)chakai
A larger, less formal event with several sittings in a day; the usual way for newcomers to attend tea.
- Turning the bowl (chawan o mawasu)chawan o mawasu
Turning the bowl before drinking so as not to put one's lips to its front; a gesture of respect toward the host's choice.
- Sumitemae (charcoal procedure)sumitemae
Building the charcoal fire to keep the kettle at temperature; a quiet centrepiece of a full gathering.