Which tea utensils were selected and discussed during a Japanese tea ceremony?

In the Japanese tea ceremony, the tea master carefully selects a variety of utensils to be used during the ritual, which are later discussed and appreciated by the guests for their aesthetic and functional qualities. These implements are chosen to reflect the principles of harmony, respect, cleanliness, and tranquillity.12

The specific utensils typically selected and discussed include:

• Teabowls: Valued for their appearance, heat-retaining properties, and how comfortably they fit in the hand.2
• Tea caddies: Used for storing the powdered tea.2
• Water containers: Essential for the preparation process.23
• Tea kettles: Often made of iron and used for heating water.12
• Bamboo whisks: Used to whip the tea into a froth.2
• Other implements: This category includes various boxes and plates used throughout the ceremony.2

During the gathering, guests often inquire about these implements, and the host may present newly acquired works of art for the guests' delectation. This practice of discussing the merits of the utensils is a central component of the ceremony's aesthetic appreciation.12