About

The name Shōju (翔寿) was chosen with the meaning that a chadansu (tea chest) possessing 101 types of longevity/celebration (kotobuki) would fly (shō) widely across the world, allowing the Way of Tea (chanoyu) to contribute to peace.
The Way of Tea (Chado or Sado) is a comprehensive art form that incorporates everything: the bounty of nature throughout the four seasons, the masterful skills (takumi no waza) in architecture, garden design, and fine/applied arts, and the expression of the heart and spirituality through waka poetry and other verses. I refer to this as the Cosmos of Chanoyu.
In Japan, we have the concepts of Niwaka (俄) and Shitsurae (設). Niwaka is related to improvisation, such as the spontaneous acting or quick changes in theater. Shitsurae is the act of preparing a space for expression. These concepts are connected to the wisdom of our daily life and culture. For example, when an unexpected visitor arrives, even without a special Shitsurae, turning over a cushion to create a space for them is a kind of improvised immediate teate (arrangement/provision).

At a tea gathering, the host and guest constantly show consideration for each other. Sometimes the host takes the lead, and at other times the guest directs the time. Furthermore, even without the fixed Shitsurae of a formal teahouse, we can go outdoors and create a chanoyu space through improvised arrangements. Originally, teahouses were designed to be assembled freely, and tea gatherings were therefore held using imaginative combinations of utensils and objects.
This Shōju piece was created based on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity found in the Way of Tea, bringing together the masterful skills of various artisans.
We sincerely hope for perpetual world peace for all humanity, and wish that this Shōju will be cherished by many people.