What is kama in Japanese tea ceremony?

Kama (釜) is a Japanese term meaning metal pot or kettle. The specific term for a kama used in the Japanese tea ceremony is chagama (茶釜, “tea kettle”). Kama are made of cast iron or copper and are used to heat the water used to make tea. The ro (sunken hearth) is used during autumn and winter when it is cold.

What is a Mizusashi?

A mizusashi (水指) is a lidded container for fresh cold water used by the host in the tea room during ceremonies.

What is a Japanese kettle called?

Tetsubin (鉄瓶) are Japanese cast-iron kettles with a pouring spout, a lid, and a handle crossing over the top, used for boiling and pouring hot water for drinking purposes, such as for making tea.

What is a Tetsubin teapot?

Tetsubin are Japanese cast iron kettles equipped with a top handle, a lid, and a pouring spout. They are used for boiling hot water, especially for making tea. The name tetsubin (鉄瓶) literally means iron pot.

How do you use Chashaku?

Using the Chashaku is pretty much straightforward. One scoop of Matcha powder using a Chashaku amounts to roughly one gram. Therefore, for an Usucha preparation, you would want 2 scoops of Matcha powder for 70 ml of water. For a Koicha preparation, you would want 4 scoops of Matcha powder for 30 ml of water.

What utensils are used in a Japanese tea ceremony?

19 Essential Japanese Tea Ceremony Utensils

• Chaire / 茶入 – Tea Caddy for Thick Tea. View fullsize.
• Chakin / 茶巾 – Hemp Cloth. View fullsize.
• Chasen / 茶筅 – Tea Whisk. View fullsize.
• Chashaku / 茶杓 – Tea Scoop.
• Chawan / 茶碗 – Tea Bowl.
• Fukusa / 袱紗 – Silk Cloth.
• Furo / 風炉 – Portable Brazier.
• Futaoki / 蓋置 – Kettle Lid and Ladle Rest.

What is a Japanese teapot?

Kyusu (急須) are traditional Japanese teapots mainly made of fired volcanic clay of very high quality. The word kyusu simply means teapot, even though in common usage kyusu usually does refer to a teapot with a side handle.

Why are Japanese teapots so small?

Short steeps ensure the tea is still hot when poured, while small volumes allow the tea to cool quickly for drinking. In many ways, small pots simply allow for more precision in the brew, since the water is infused with flavor more quickly, and can be drained from the leaves all at once.

Can you heat a tetsubin?

To ensure the longevity of your tetsubin, it’s also important not to add cold water to the hot tetsubin, or to heat the tetsubin when empty, as this will stress the metal. Tetsubin are traditionally heated over charcoal fires, but your gas or electric stove will work just as well.

Can you boil water in a tetsubin?

While tetsubin were originally used to boil water, you should only use yours to brew tea. Most modern tetsubin are made with an enamel lining that could get damaged if you boil water in the kettle.

Can you use a tetsubin on a gas stove?

Tetsubin are traditionally heated over charcoal fires, but your gas or electric stove will work just as well.

How do you use a chasen?

Use your chasen to make usucha or “thin tea.” Using your chasen, you will rapidly move the whisk in an ‘m’ or ‘w’ shaped zig-zag motion across the entire width of the bowl, back and forth. The motion should create a nice even froth. Pro-tip – be gentle! The movement is a rapid motion that comes from the wrist.

How do you season a Japanese teapot?

Seasoning Your Yixing Clay Teapot pick a clean pot, fill it with filtered water, boil the water and then bring it to simmering. put a clean white towel on the bottom of the pot. let it boil for 5-10 minutes. If the new teapot has a strong earthy smell, let it boil for longer, up to an hour.

How do you pick a Japanese teapot?

Choosing A Japanese Teapot Choosing the right Japanese teapot will depend on your tea brewing style. If you prefer high-quality green teas or single-servings, a hôhin, Yokode kyusu, or a shiboridashi is the best choice. If you like to brew larger quantities, the uwade or ushirode kyusu is a better fit.

Why are cast iron teapots better?

Better Heat Distribution Like stainless steel teapots, cast iron kettles heat water faster and maintain the heat longer. Cast iron teapots evenly heat tea. This helps to develop flavors throughout the entire pot.

Do cast iron tea pots rust?

Speaking of rust, your cast iron teapot WILL develop rust in time and with use. Using water from a rusted iron kettle is safe for consumption. In Japan, some traditional recipes even include the addition of a rusted nail to add more color to dishes.

How do you remove rust from tetsubin?

If the rust really starts to bother you, you can scrub it gently with half a potato, but most experts strongly advise against using physical force to remove rust from the inside of your kettle. If rust appears on the outside of the tetsubin, you can heat the kettle, then rub it gently with a tea soaked cloth.