In March, we practiced the Uguisudate tea procedure.
This particular tea procedure is associated with the season when the first calls of the bush warbler (uguisu) are heard. It originated when the 13th generation tea master Ennosai Sōshō hosted a tea gathering in a small tea room. At that time, the main guest (shōkyaku) happened to sit in front of the geza-doko (an opposite alcove position). To avoid showing his back to the main guest, which would have happened with the usual procedure (hon-gatte), the host quickly adapted and performed the tea service in reverse orientation (gyaku-gatte) so that he could face the guest directly. This improvised tea service later became formalized and was perfected by the 14th generation master Tantansai Sōshō.
During this procedure, a fukusa (silk cloth) folded in the shape of a bush warbler is placed on top of the mizusashi (water container). When the mizusashi, originally placed in the standard position, is carried and turned for the reverse orientation, it appears as if the little bird on top is flying.
Through this tea procedure, we not only learned from the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of Master Ennosai, but we also experienced the seasonal charm and poetic atmosphere of an early spring bush warbler flying into the tea room. This, too, is part of the true joy and emotional richness of studying tea.
