Fukusa, Kaishi, and Practice Attire

Fukusa, Kaishi, and Practice Attire

When attending tea gatherings or practice sessions, guests typically bring a kaishi pouch containing a fan (sensu), fukusa (silk cloth), kaishi (paper), and yōji (sweet pick).

At Sankyodou, we also offer a variety of related items such as kobukusa (small fukusa), dashibukusa (presentation cloths), small chakin (tea cloths), and cases for storing them.

Tea Practice Essentials

• Fan (Sensu)
Used during greetings or when viewing the tokonoma (alcove), placed in front of the knees. It is not for fanning, but serves as a formal etiquette tool.

• Fukusa (Silk Cloth)
Made of silk, the fukusa is used in the tea procedure to purify tea utensils such as the chaki (tea container) and chashaku (tea scoop), or to lift the hot kettle lid. The color of the fukusa varies depending on the tea school and the role of the practitioner.

• Kaishi (Japanese Paper)
Used to handle sweets during a tea gathering. Designs include patterns in watermark (sukashi), embossing, or printed motifs.

• Yōji (Sweet Pick)
Used to cut and eat wagashi (Japanese sweets). Available in materials such as ivory, stainless steel, or blackwood (kuromoji).

• Fukusabasami / Sukiya Bags
General terms for bags and pouches used to carry all necessary tea items during practice or formal gatherings.

• Kobukusa / Dashibukusa
Small cloths used during the presentation and serving of tea.

• Linen & Paper Small Chakin
Used for wiping the tea bowl after thick tea (koicha) has been served.

• Small Chakin Case
Used to store and carry small chakin cloths.

Practice Attire

• Two-Piece Kimono-Style Practice Wear
This two-piece set includes sleeves and is worn over regular clothes, allowing for formal tea procedures to be practiced as if in kimono.

• Practice Vest
Worn over western-style clothing, it allows the fukusa to be tucked in without a belt. Designed to conveniently carry items like kaishi and fukusa.

• Mizuya Apron
Worn to protect kimono or clothing during mizuya (preparation area) work. Available in lace designs or kappōgi (traditional smock) styles.