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{{Short description|A traditional Japanese tea room designed for tea ceremonies}}
== Chashitsu ==


==Chashitsu==
[[File:Joan_in_Urakuen,_Gomonsaki_Inuyama_Inuyama_City_2023.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional chashitsu in Urakuen, Inuyama City.]]
A '''chashitsu''' (__) is a traditional Japanese room specifically designed for hosting [[Japanese tea ceremony|tea ceremonies]]. These rooms are meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of tranquility and simplicity, embodying the principles of [[wabi-sabi]], which emphasize beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life.
A '''chashitsu''' (茶室) is a room or structure designed specifically for the [[Japanese tea ceremony]]. The architectural space is intended to be a place of tranquility and simplicity, embodying the principles of [[wabi-sabi]], which emphasize rustic simplicity and understated elegance.


==Design and Architecture==
== Architecture ==
[[File:Chashitsu interior.jpg|thumb|right|Interior of a traditional chashitsu]]
The architecture of a chashitsu is characterized by its minimalist design, natural materials, and harmonious proportions. Typically, a chashitsu is a small, intimate space, often measuring around 4.5 tatami mats in size, though larger rooms exist. The walls are usually made of wood and paper, and the floor is covered with [[tatami]] mats.


===Entrance===
[[File:Tearoom_layout.svg|thumb|left|Diagram of a typical tearoom layout.]]
The entrance to a chashitsu is often through a small door called a [[nijiriguchi]], which requires guests to bow as they enter, symbolizing humility and equality among participants. This low entrance also serves to separate the tea room from the outside world, creating a sense of retreat and focus.
The design of a chashitsu is highly specific, with a focus on creating an environment conducive to the tea ceremony. The room is typically small, often measuring around 4.5 tatami mats, though sizes can vary. The entrance to the chashitsu is usually through a small door called a nijiriguchi, which requires guests to humble themselves by crouching as they enter.


===Tokonoma===
The interior of a chashitsu is characterized by its use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and paper. The walls are often made of shoji, which are sliding panels covered with translucent paper. The floor is covered with tatami mats, and there is usually a tokonoma, or alcove, where a scroll or flower arrangement is displayed.
[[File:Tokonoma.jpg|thumb|left|A tokonoma in a chashitsu]]
A key feature of the chashitsu is the [[tokonoma]], an alcove where a scroll or a flower arrangement is displayed. The scroll, often featuring calligraphy or a painting, sets the theme for the tea gathering, while the flower arrangement, or [[chabana]], reflects the season and adds a touch of natural beauty.


===Ro and Furo===
== Historical Development ==
In the center of the room, there is often a sunken hearth called a [[ro]], used during the winter months to heat the water for tea. In the summer, a portable brazier known as a [[furo]] is used instead. These elements are essential for the preparation of [[matcha]], the powdered green tea used in the ceremony.


==Cultural Significance==
[[File:Taian_Myokian.jpg|thumb|right|The Taian, a famous chashitsu designed by Sen no Rikyū.]]
The chashitsu is more than just a physical space; it is a manifestation of the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the tea ceremony. The design and use of the chashitsu reflect the principles of [[Zen Buddhism]], emphasizing mindfulness, simplicity, and the appreciation of the present moment.
The concept of the chashitsu evolved during the [[Muromachi period]] (1336–1573) and reached its peak during the [[Azuchi-Momoyama period]] (1568–1600) under the influence of tea masters such as [[Sen no Rikyū]]. Rikyū's design of the Taian, a two-tatami mat tea room, is considered a masterpiece of tea room architecture.


==Related Pages==
== Elements of Design ==
 
[[File:Tea_house_in_a_woodland,_Itsuku-Shima,_Japan_LCCN2001705665.tif|thumb|left|A tea house in a woodland setting.]]
Chashitsu design incorporates several key elements:
 
* '''Roji''': The garden path leading to the chashitsu, designed to prepare guests for the tea ceremony.
* '''Nijiriguchi''': The small entrance door, symbolizing humility.
* '''Tokonoma''': An alcove for displaying art or flowers.
* '''Mizuya''': A preparation area for the host.
 
== Cultural Significance ==
 
[[File:Golden_Tea_Room_MOA_Museum_(5).jpg|thumb|right|A replica of the Golden Tea Room.]]
The chashitsu is more than just a physical space; it is a cultural symbol of the Japanese tea ceremony. It represents a place of peace and reflection, where the host and guests can engage in the ritual of tea in a setting that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the moment.
 
== Modern Interpretations ==
 
[[File:Museum_für_Ostasiatische_Kunst_Dahlem_Berlin_Mai_2006_017.jpg|thumb|left|A modern interpretation of a chashitsu in a museum setting.]]
While traditional chashitsu continue to be used and revered, modern interpretations have emerged, incorporating contemporary materials and design elements while maintaining the essence of the tea ceremony.
 
== Related Pages ==
* [[Japanese tea ceremony]]
* [[Japanese tea ceremony]]
* [[Wabi-sabi]]
* [[Wabi-sabi]]
* [[Sen no Rikyū]]
* [[Tatami]]
* [[Tatami]]
* [[Zen Buddhism]]


[[Category:Japanese architecture]]
[[Category:Japanese architecture]]
[[Category:Tea culture]]
[[Category:Japanese tea ceremony]]
[[Category:Japanese traditions]]

Latest revision as of 14:13, 21 February 2025

Chashitsu[edit]

A traditional chashitsu in Urakuen, Inuyama City.

A chashitsu (茶室) is a room or structure designed specifically for the Japanese tea ceremony. The architectural space is intended to be a place of tranquility and simplicity, embodying the principles of wabi-sabi, which emphasize rustic simplicity and understated elegance.

Architecture[edit]

Diagram of a typical tearoom layout.

The design of a chashitsu is highly specific, with a focus on creating an environment conducive to the tea ceremony. The room is typically small, often measuring around 4.5 tatami mats, though sizes can vary. The entrance to the chashitsu is usually through a small door called a nijiriguchi, which requires guests to humble themselves by crouching as they enter.

The interior of a chashitsu is characterized by its use of natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and paper. The walls are often made of shoji, which are sliding panels covered with translucent paper. The floor is covered with tatami mats, and there is usually a tokonoma, or alcove, where a scroll or flower arrangement is displayed.

Historical Development[edit]

The Taian, a famous chashitsu designed by Sen no Rikyū.

The concept of the chashitsu evolved during the Muromachi period (1336–1573) and reached its peak during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568–1600) under the influence of tea masters such as Sen no Rikyū. Rikyū's design of the Taian, a two-tatami mat tea room, is considered a masterpiece of tea room architecture.

Elements of Design[edit]

A tea house in a woodland setting.

Chashitsu design incorporates several key elements:

  • Roji: The garden path leading to the chashitsu, designed to prepare guests for the tea ceremony.
  • Nijiriguchi: The small entrance door, symbolizing humility.
  • Tokonoma: An alcove for displaying art or flowers.
  • Mizuya: A preparation area for the host.

Cultural Significance[edit]

A replica of the Golden Tea Room.

The chashitsu is more than just a physical space; it is a cultural symbol of the Japanese tea ceremony. It represents a place of peace and reflection, where the host and guests can engage in the ritual of tea in a setting that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the moment.

Modern Interpretations[edit]

A modern interpretation of a chashitsu in a museum setting.

While traditional chashitsu continue to be used and revered, modern interpretations have emerged, incorporating contemporary materials and design elements while maintaining the essence of the tea ceremony.

Related Pages[edit]