Japanese Tea Cermony

[fina23]

I recently attended a Japanese tea making ceremony and thought I would share some cultural tidbits with the Panasonic forum. Tea preparation is an art and originally reserved exclusively for women in ancient Japan, but now is a hobby that all people can take part in. Form and precision are emphasized, a common re-occuring theme in Japanese culture. It is harder than it looks...I had a chance to give it a try...well, let's just say I won't be posting any pictures of me:G

Our hosts, dressed in the traditional Kimono.



The main ingredient - green tea, made from crushed and powdered green tea leaves.



Green tea container and mixing bowl.



The set where preparation takes place - boiled water on the right. The cup is wiped several times before beginning.



Picking up the laddle, very specific holding procedure.



A laddle full of water



Pouring the water in to the cup - half in, half back into the pot.



Mixing of the green tea powder and boiled water.



Served with a bow



Eaten with a traditional rice cake with sweet red bean paste inside. A snack fit for a shogun.



Thanks for looking!

[tinosa]

A very interesting, colorful, and well exposed series. Thanks for this insight into a part of the Japenese culture.
The blurred hand in the mixing photo is perfect.

[d-sr]

Very informative series. Good color and sharpness while telling an interesting story. I enjoyed it very much. All are very good photos BTW.

DonR

[tcook]

Interesting and well done photos.