A Japanese tea ceremony is a tranquil, harmonious and perhaps even spiritual process for preparing, serving and drinking green tea. The ritualized actions during a tea ceremony are graceful and based on simplicity of motion. Etiquette during the process is extremely important. The tea drinker also participates in the ceremony by following various steps including turning and admiring the tea bowl from which he/she drinks the tea. Some of the items used in a tea ceremony are seen in the photo: bamboo ladle, tea jar, water jug, tea bowl, charcoal burner (black) and a kettle (black) on top of the charcoal burner. Currently there are many schools in Japan teaching the process. It may take years to thoroughly learn the process and execute it with skill and grace.
Tea was introduced in Japan (from China) during the 9th century. The tea ceremony was developed in Kyoto. Historically drinking tea primarily was done first by the ruling class. By the 16th century drinking tea was common in all levels of Japanese society. The significance and meaning of drinking tea in a ceremoniously ritualized manner began in the 15th century.
The Kodaiji Temple (Buddhist) was established in the early 1600's by Nene in memory of her husband Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In the mid-1500's Nene married Toyotomi Hideyoshi who became one of the main unifiers of Japan. Nene was his principal wife and one of his favorites. She was a close advisor to and confidante of Hideyoshi and remained so until his death. After Hideyoshi died in the late 1500's, Nene became a nun and established the Kodaiji Temple (Buddhist) in memory of her husband Hideyoshi. (See the photo of the statues of Hideyoshi and Nene before the previous two photos.)
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