The Differences Between Chaire and Natsume in Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony, or Sadō, is a rich tradition where the act of preparing and serving tea is elevated to an art form. Within this practice, two essential utensils play significant roles: chaire and natsume. While both serve as containers for tea, they have distinct purposes, histories, materials, and designs. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and differences between chaire and natsume in detail.

1. Definitions and Basic Functions

Chaire:
- Chaire is used to hold koicha, or thick tea. Koicha is made using a larger amount of matcha (powdered green tea) and only a small amount of hot water, resulting in a rich and creamy beverage. Chaire is often employed in formal tea ceremonies.
- Typically constructed from ceramic or porcelain, chaire has a small, jar-like shape. It usually comes with a lid, which helps to preserve the tea and maintain its quality.
Natsume:
- Natsume, on the other hand, is used to hold usucha, or thin tea. Usucha is lighter and easier to drink, commonly served in casual tea gatherings and everyday hospitality settings.
- Natsume is generally made from lacquerware and resembles the shape of a jujube fruit (also known as Chinese date). It features various designs, including plain black lacquer and more decorative options with makie (gold or silver lacquer painting).

2. Historical Background

History of Chaire:
- The importance of chaire began to rise during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), particularly among the samurai class. As these warriors could no longer receive land grants for their achievements, valuable tea utensils like chaire became significant rewards.
- Chaire was regarded as having equal value to land or country, making it a highly respected item used primarily during special ceremonies.
History of Natsume:
- Natsume became popular as the culture of enjoying usucha developed. Although it was initially used for koicha, it gradually became designated specifically for usucha.
- During the Edo period (1603–1868), casual tea gatherings featuring usucha became widespread, leading to natsume being commonly used in everyday tea practices.

3. Usage Methods

How to Use Chaire:
- Given its ceremonial significance, the usage of chaire follows strict guidelines. During a tea ceremony, matcha is taken from the chaire and whisked with hot water to create a thick, flavorful tea.
- Handling chaire requires care and respect, especially during formal occasions where proper etiquette is essential.
How to Use Natsume:
- In contrast, natsume is more casual and versatile, allowing for easy enjoyment of usucha in various settings. The preparation of usucha is simpler, making it suitable for informal gatherings with friends and family.
- There are also many tea gatherings dedicated solely to usucha, where natsume takes center stage.

4. Materials and Appearance

Materials and Appearance of Chaire:
- Chaire is primarily made from ceramic or porcelain. There are many variations in shape, including “katatsuki” (shoulder-shaped), “bunrin” (round), and “nasu” (eggplant-shaped).
- It typically comes with an ivory lid and may be packaged in beautiful fabric covers made from materials like kinran (gold brocade) or donsu (thick silk).
Materials and Appearance of Natsume:
- Natsume is crafted from lacquerware, featuring a shape reminiscent of the jujube fruit. Many natsume are simply coated in black lacquer, but decorative makie designs are also common.
- There are size variations such as “ko-natsume” (small), “naka-natsume” (medium), “o-natsume” (large), as well as different styles like “nagazume” (long) or “hirazume” (flat). Some natsume may not resemble the typical shape yet are still referred to as natsume.

5. Conclusion

In summary, chaire and natsume serve different purposes and possess unique histories within the context of Japanese tea culture. Chaire is a container for koicha used primarily in formal settings, while natsume is a more accessible utensil for enjoying usucha in everyday situations. Both play vital roles in Japanese culture and are appreciated not only for their functionality but also as works of art and antiques.

These traditional utensils are perfect for celebrations and gifts, serving as heirlooms that can be cherished for generations. By learning about these important tools of the tea ceremony, you can deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and perhaps even develop an appreciation for the beauty of tea drinking traditions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet moment with tea, knowing the significance of chaire and natsume can enhance your experience.