Understanding the Rank of Tea Ceremony Utensils

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Understanding the Rank
of Tea Ceremony
Utensils
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Choosing the utensils to use in a tea ceremony
depends on factors such as the season and
occasion.
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This custom originated from the time when people
were treated based on rank. It was also applied
to the use of utensils.
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The Manner by which a Utensil is Handled
Low rank utensils are not carried with two hands.
They are picked up with one and never held with 2
except for a short time.  
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High rank utensils are carried in close proximity
to the body, almost near the stomach for
stability.
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A lower rank utensil such as waste water
container is carried at waist level.
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The Sequence the Utensils are Attended
Utensils that are high in rank are brought inside
the room before lower ranking utensils.
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The alcove (tokonoma) is considered to be the
most important area  in the tea room.
Rank is indicated by ones proximity to it.
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In the room, guests are seated near the alcove
while the guest of honor is seated first in the
row closest to the alcove.
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Utensils are placed within easy view and also
indicate importance.
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For more information on
Japanese Tea Ceremonies,
visit our website
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