Matcha Bowl Rikyu-shitisoku made by Kagetsu Kiln Japan

It is a bowl for Matcha.
This is a work by Kagetsu Kiln in Japan.

H 8cm x W 12cm

It depicts the seven spirits advocated by Sen no Rikyu, the founder of Japanese tea ceremony.

「茶は服のよきように点て」
心地よさを作りましょう。

Make a good tea for your guest.
This means to prepare the tea just right for those who drink.
For example, if some guests do not like their tea too hot, then prepare a lukewarm drink.
Likewise if they prefer a very hot drink, prepare them a very hot drink.
It ’s about serving tea that suits people.

「炭は湯のわくように置き」
段取りでは、要となるポイントを押さえましょう。

Hot charcoal should be arranged so the water will boil well.
This means that you should prepare the charcoal to heat the water with care.
The guest will not see this act but it is important to prepare with sincerity even if the act will not be seen.

「夏は涼しく冬は暖かに」
心地よさを作りましょう。

Cool in summer, warm in winter.
This means, be aware of the seasons and make sure the experience flows with nature.
For example, in summer, wearing a kimono that looks cool and serving cool-looking sweets.

「花は野にあるように」
自然に「あるよう」にしましょう。

Arrange flowers as they are in a field.
This means as nature intends it, respecting life as it is.

「刻限（こくげん）は早め」
ゆとりを持って。

Do anything with time to spare.
This means make sure that you have enough time to prepare.

「降らずとも傘の用意」
念のために準備しておきましょう。

Prepare an umbrella even if it isn’t going to rain.
This means to be prepared, calm and ready for anything that may happen.

「相客に心せよ」
その場に居合わせた人の全員が、心地よく過ごせるようにしましょう。

Respect all guests.
To respect all guests and to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time.
In this way, the spirit of the tea ceremony bases itself on nature, and the sense of the season.
As well as an opportunity that is once-in-a-lifetime encounter, a single occasion that will not repeat itself again with the host and guest.