Pair of tea bowls: Ikezuki (red) and Surusumi (black),

late 17th–early 18th century

<p> The selection of objects used in a tea gathering reflect the host’s aesthetic vision. The practice of Japanese tea, cha no yu (literally “water for tea”) offers occasions for shared company and the appreciation of tea utensils in terms of appearance, craftsmanship, cultural associations, and juxtapositions. Guests take turns using the different bowls, paying attention to the ceramics’ texture, surface detail, and feel as they are activated by the warmth of the tea inside. Other utensils are handled only by the host but often convey a complementary or contrasting visual and material tactility. The sense of presence of many tea utensils is enhanced by their associations with former tea masters or the names given to them by theirowners. For example, these tea bowls were made by the fifth head of the Raku workshop; the black bowl is in the style favored by the workshop’s founder, and the red in the style favored by the tea practitioner Hon’ami Kōetsu (1558–1637). The tea bowls are named after two horses from the literary war classic <em>The Tale of the Heike</em>. Traditional Japanese teahouses are small, separate structures—the closed-off environment enables a heightened awareness of one’s surroundings and ability to focus on the sensory nuances of the experience. </p>