Sumitemae is the procedure of arranging charcoal in the hearth or brazier so that the kettle holds its heat through a long gathering. No tea is served during it. It shows the host's care through the handling of the fire that supports everything else, and there are several forms depending on when it occurs.
When it is done
At a full gathering, the first charcoal before the meal and the second after thick tea. The way charcoal is laid and the tools used differ between the hearth and brazier seasons. Guests watch the charcoal, the steam, and the sound of the kettle together.
What happens
The charcoal basket, feather brush, fire chopsticks, kettle ring, ash container, and ash scoop are set out. The kettle is lifted off, the ash finished, and the charcoal built up around a central piece. Incense is placed on top at the end, and the moment its scent rises is the high point. The rhythm of the sequence sets the tempo of the whole sitting, and the state of the ash shows the host's competence directly.
Why guests watch closely
How the charcoal is laid determines whether the water will still be right an hour later. It is the least showy part of a gathering and among the most revealing.
Sources
- 炭手前（精選版 日本国語大辞典） / コトバンク
Supports: 炭手前が、茶事で炉または風炉に炭をつぐ際の式法であること。初炭手前と後炭手前の別があること
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
- Sumitori (charcoal basket)sumitori
The basket or box holding charcoal and fire tools for the charcoal procedure.
- Hibashi (fire chopsticks)hibashi
Long metal chopsticks for arranging charcoal in the hearth or brazier.
- Kogo (incense container)kogo
A small lidded container for incense, offered for examination after the charcoal procedure.
- 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.
- Haboki (feather brush)haboki
A brush of bird feathers used to sweep ash from the edges of the hearth or brazier.
- Haisaji (ash scoop)haisaji
A small scoop for shaping the ash in the brazier or hearth.