Flowery Tea Bowl

a Raku tea bowl
cradled in hands – leaves inside
blossoming outside

Kim M. Russell, 2017

Image found on teatrekker.com    

My response to Carpe Diem #1153 Raku, Japanese pottery

Chèvrefeuille has reminded us of a previous episode about the tea ceremony with a quotation: […] “The tea ceremony is coming to an end. I admire the earthenware tea bowls.” […]

He says that the tea bowls are wonderful pieces of art work, which are created with a beautiful and aesthetic style of pottery called Raku. He also explains the background of its process and history and shares haiku on the topic:

A monk sips morning tea,
it’s quiet,
the chrysanthemum’s flowering.

© Matsuo Basho (Tr. Robert Hass)

in the tea bowl
this motion of the clouds
of ‘little spring’

© Kikusha-Ni (Tagama Kikusha Zennshu (1753-1826)

in this tea house
the smell of cherry blossoms
scooping hot water

© Yozakura

crystal clear water
ghostly curls of steam –
the perfume of tea

perfection
this tea bowl
and cherry blossoms

translucent tea cup
hides a deep secret
ghost of tea

translucent tea cup
hides a deep secret
ghost of tea
geisha gathering tea leaves
for her lover’s ceremony

© Chèvrefeuille