The tea room is an indispensable special space in Japan's tea ceremony culture. In this article, as a step towards understanding the tea ceremony culture, we will briefly introduce the overview, history, and components of the tea room.
Tea Rooms
A tea room is a special space designed for conducting the uniquely Japanese cultural practice of Chanoyu, or the tea ceremony. Its origins trace back to the mid-Muromachi period, with the beginnings attributed to the "tea houses" that were beloved by a wide range of people from commoners to court nobles. The styles varied widely, from the humble tea huts to elegant tea houses made of black wood, and even to the Bamboo Pavilion at Ishiyama Hongan-ji. The evolution of tea rooms transitioned from the "Shoin-style tea" to the "Sōan-style tea" (thatched hut tea), with Sen no Rikyū's establishment of Wabi-cha marking a significant turning point.
Components of a Tea Room
The components of a tea room include the Roji (garden) that separates it from the outside world, providing tranquility; the hearth used in winter; the portable brazier used in summer; the Nijiriguchi (crawling entrance) that symbolizes equality among all participants regardless of social status; and the Tokonoma (alcove), which is decorated to reflect the season or theme of the tea gathering. These elements demonstrate that the tea room is not just a space but is thoughtfully designed to evoke spirituality and a sense of season through the tea ceremony.
History of Tea Rooms
Historically, Sen no Rikyū pursued the spirit of Wabi-cha and designed numerous tea rooms characterized by their simplicity. The tea rooms often featured confined spaces and low ceilings, with the nationally treasured "Tai-an" being considered an important tea room that conveys the spirit of Rikyū's tea rooms to this day. Others, like the "Jo-an" designed by Oda Urakusai and the "Mitsu-an" by Kobori Enshū, each have their unique history and characteristics, contributing to the transmission of Japan's tea culture.
Famous Tea Rooms
In modern times, there has been an increase in architects who respect tradition while also embracing experimental approaches to designing tea rooms. Projects like the tea room in Vancouver by Kengo Kuma, "Takasugi-an" by Terunobu Fujimori, and "Kou-an" by Tokujin Yoshioka, represent efforts to rejuvenate tradition and history with contemporary design through the use of modern materials and exploring fantastical settings.
Tea rooms showcase how the tea ceremony has influenced Japanese architecture, garden design, painting, calligraphy, ceramics, lacquerware, flower arrangement, and food preparation. The simple act of sharing a bowl of tea in an atmosphere of silence and meditation symbolizes the spirituality and aesthetic sensibility of Japan, as expressed through tea rooms.
