The Little Tea Book | Page 9

regaled with a soothing cup before the goods are displayed to him. This does
not, however, impose any obligation on the prospective purchaser, but it is, nevertheless,
a good stimulant to part with his money. This appears to be a very ancient tradition in
China and Japan--so ancient that it is continued by the powers that be in Paradise and
Hades, according to a translation called "Strange Stories from My Small Library," a
classical Chinese work published in 1679.
The old domestic etiquette of Japan never intrusted to a servant the making of tea for a
guest. It was made by the master of the house himself; the custom probably growing out
of the innate politeness and courtesy of a people who believe that an honored visitor is
entitled to the best entertainment possible to give him.
As soon as a guest is seated upon his mat, a small tray is set before the master of the

house. Upon this tray is a tiny tea-pot with a handle at right angles to the spout. Other
parts of this outfit include a highly artistic tea-kettle filled with hot water, and a requisite
number of small cups, set in metal or bamboo trays. These trays are used for handing the
cups around, but the guest is not expected to take one. The cups being without handles,
and not easy to hold, the visitor must therefore be careful lest he let one slip through his
untutored fingers.
The tea-pot is drenched with hot water before the tea is put in; then more hot water is
poured over the leaves, and soon poured off into the cups. This is repeated several times,
but the hot water is never allowed to stand on the grounds over a minute.
The Japanese all adhere to the general household custom of the country in keeping the
necessary tea apparatus in readiness. In the living-room of every house is contained a
brazier with live coals, a kettle to boil water, a tray with tea-pot, cups, and a tea-caddy.
Their neighbors, the Chinese, are just as alert; for no matter what hour of the day it may
be, they always keep a kettle of boiling water over the hot coals, ready to make and serve
the beverage at a moment's notice. No visitor is allowed to leave without being offered a
cup of their tea, and they themselves are glad to share in their own hospitality.
The Chinese use boiling water, and pour it upon the dry tea in each cup. Among the
better social element is used a cup shaped like a small bowl, with a saucer a little less in
diameter than the top of the bowl. This saucer also serves another purpose, and is often
used for a cover when the tea is making. After the boiling water is poured upon the tea, it
is covered for a couple of minutes, until the leaves have separated and fallen to the
bottom of the cup. This process renders the tea clear, delightfully fragrant, and
appetizing.
A variety of other cups are also used; the most prominent being without handles, one or
two sizes larger than the Japanese. They are made of the finest china, set in silver trays
beautifully wrought, ornate in treatment and design.
A complete tea outfit is a part of the outfitting of every Ju-bako--"picnic-box"--with
which every Jap is provided when on a journey, making an excursion, or attending a
picnic. The Japanese are very much given to these out-of-door affairs, which they call
Hanami--"Looking at the flowers." No wonder they are fond of these pleasures, for it is a
land of lovely landscapes and heaven-sent airs, completely in harmony with the poetic
and artistic natures of this splendid people.
Tea-houses--Châ ya--which take the place of our cafes and bar rooms, but which,
nevertheless, serve a far higher social purpose, are everywhere in evidence, on the
high-roads and by-roads, tucked away in templed groves and public resorts of every
nature.
Among the Japanese are a number of ceremonial, social, and literary tea-parties which
reflect their courtly and chivalrous spirit, and keep alive the traditions of the people more,
perhaps, than any other of their functions.

The most important of these tea-parties are exclusively for gentlemen, and their forms
and ceremonies rank among the most refined usages of polite society. The customs of
these gatherings are so peculiarly characteristic of the Japanese that few foreign observers
have an opportunity of attending them. These are the tea-parties of a semi-literary or
aesthetic character, and the ceremonious Châ-no-ya. In the first prevails the easy and
unaffected tone of the well-bred gentleman. In the other are observed the strictest rules of
etiquette both in speech and behavior. But the former entertainment is by far the most
interesting. The Japanese love and