Koma 小間, “small tea room”

At our hatsu-gama, after we had the meal and tea hosted by our master, we had a chance to practice our tea preparation.  I was very happy and excited with the lesson.  Can you guess why?

Our master has two tea rooms in her house.  One is six-tatami-mat room and the other one is three-tatami room, which is recognized as the koma, a small room.  We practice the ceremony in the bigger room at usual lessons.  I have never used the small one.  Our master offered us to use the small room for our practice at hatsu-gama!  Finally yes!!  I have been always curious about the room and wanted to use it.  We, disciples had a couple of sessions by taking turns being the host and guests. 

Me sitting as a guest in the small room

Do I look good in kimono?

My wife, Hiro hosting in the small room

  

The room was indeed excellent.  Soft light was coming through the paper screen, and the room was a little darker than the other room.  You can see a natural-wooden pole, soil wall and elaborately designed ceiling, and can sit on tatami.  You are surrounded by nature. 

There are no unnecessary spaces.  The room is just perfect size.  It is cozy.  I think that in human psychology, people feel more secured and comfortable when they are surrounded with something.  In a restaurant, you will probably feel comfortable at a table in a corner or by a wall, rather than at one in the center of the hall.  I guess the same kind of theory also works in the small tea room, so I felt very relaxed.  Not only the physical proximity, but I also felt closer when it comes to psychological distance among the participants.   The closeness creates something more and the ceremony more concentrated.  I experienced that The Way of Tea is not only about savoring tea, but also savoring the space and time with others.

I believe that it is very rare to have such small room in Western architectures.  If you have a chance to come to Japan, I’ll encourage you to experience tea in a small tea room.  It will definitely be extraordinary.

Hanging scroll and flower in the tokonoma alcove in the small room