Glossary · tool

Kensui (建水)

Waste water bowl used in chanoyu to receive rinse water from the chawan.

What kensui means

The kensui is the vessel that holds the water poured out after rinsing the chawan and chasen during a temae. It is one of the humblest objects on the tea mat and sits to the host's left, often made of plain bronze, copper, or unglazed clay. Urasenke and Omotesenke texts treat the kensui as an everyday tool that should not draw attention away from the chawan or the guest. It is brought in and out of the room according to the procedure of the school.

Also called

Kensui also appears as waste water vessel, slop bowl.

Related terms

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