| | The weather is unpredictable and we learned that was certainly true today… As it was our primary concern since it would change all plans we had for Nodate tea ceremony outside in the backyard at the Mori’s residence, we were extremely happy to have such a perfect weather including rather warm temperature for a late October day. The center of the Nodate, besides the tea serving, was the Japanese Maple tree there. It was far from perfect autumn-red yet it had added traditional-Japanese-backyard atmosphere.
“Chabako (tea box)” was originally created by the 11th Urasenke master Gengen-sai in 1857 (“Kaei-YR” 7), probably with the idea of easy traveling container for tea serving utensils to bring to the field or even for a trip. Later added more variety styles/forms by the 14th master Tantan-sai, such as Shikishi-date and Wakei-date. Chabako is unique to Urasenke and now there are 6 kinds of forms written. Japanese people in old days had certainly done with so much effort just to enjoy “tea”, and it was confirmed that it indeed was absolutely suitable for such a beautiful Nodate day.
Participating potluck with homemade food is always fun. Doesn’t matter what country you go, sharing food is the best way to get to know each other and make new friends. Guests also enjoyed mini-market where they bought pretty Japanese plates, groceries and veggies in extremely reasonable price. There was an interesting sight that 4 Japanese men lined up eagerly to buy packaged cooked eel, something I thought may be good subject to write a Tanka but couldn’t come up with any. At least Miyake-san took a photo of them, hopefully it had caught some moment.
Thanks to Mori-san’s couple, Chikako-san and Toyoo-san, for their wonderful hospitality spirit with which they had opened up their artistically decorated house for today’s event. Many thanks also goes to Atsuko-san and Miyake-san, as well as Taeko-san, the main server, for taking a lead to prepare for the tea ceremony.
After all, having a relaxed time with a cup of Matcha tea in such a beautiful backyard is something luxury in these days, isn’t it?…
Midori Shinye
Chair | | 天候というのは本当に予測できないもので、正しくこの日はそれが本当であると感じた日でした。森ご夫妻宅の庭で野点をするには天候が一番気になりましたから、10月の終わりにも関わらず意外に暖かい日よりに恵まれて感激したものです。お茶のお点前と共に野点の中心はそこにあるモミジです。まだまだ最高の紅葉の色にはなっていませんでしたが、間違いなく日本の伝統的な裏庭の雰囲気を醸し出してくれました。
「茶箱」は1857年(嘉永7年)に裏千家11世玄々斎が創案した後14世淡々斎が色紙点、和敬点などを創案。この裏千家にしかない茶箱手前は今では6種類あるそうです。昔の日本の人達は本当にお茶を楽しむことにいろいろな努力をしていたようで、確かにこの茶箱は美しい野点日和には全くふさわしいお点前だと思いました。
どこの国に行っても食事を共にするということは親交を深めたり新しい友を作るのに一番の方法ですから手作りの料理が集まったポットラックに参加するのは本当に楽しいです。参加者は素敵な日本の食器・食料品や野菜を安く買えるミニマーケットも楽しんでいました。4人の男性が列に並んでウナギのかば焼きを欲しがっていた姿はなかなか良い短歌の題材になりそうだと思いましたが残念ながらいい詩が思いつきませんでした。三宅さんが写真を撮って下さっていましたから何か印象的なイメージが写っていることを楽しみにしています。
千佳子さんと東洋夫さんの森さんご夫妻には快く個性的にデコレートされたご自宅を今日のイベントに快く提供して頂いたこと大変感謝致します。また野点の準備と企画をリード頂いた篤子さんと三宅さん、それから亭主として最初にお点前をして頂いた妙子さんに心から御礼を申し上げます。
あの様な美しい裏庭で抹茶を頂いて時間を寛ぐというのは何となく贅沢に感じる今日この頃です…
新江 緑
会長 | |
