Inoue Tea Small Chrysanthemum Kaishi Paper (5 sheets)

Discover the elegance of Kaishi, a traditional Japanese paper ingeniously folded for portability and ease of use. This delicate sheet serves as a refined alternative to conventional letter paper, perfect for personal notes or small messages.

Dating back to the Heian period, Kaishi has been cherished by aristocrats and commoners alike for various purposes such as memo notes, handkerchiefs, and decorative origami. Its versatility makes it a timeless accessory in contemporary life.

30 sheets per square meter
14.5 x 17.5cm

Inoue Tea enhances the tea experience by incorporating Kaishi into traditional tea ceremonies:

[Receiving]
During the serving of sweets, guests utilize Kaishi as a plate, replacing the traditional dish placed before them. The beautifully crafted washi paper is positioned in front of the guest while the bundle remains intact.

Once the treat is enjoyed, chopsticks are gently cleaned using one of the corners of the Kaishi. After savoring the delicacies, a sheet is flipped over from the bottom to ensure that no crumbs or residue escape, before being carefully tucked away in the folds of a kimono.

[Wipe]
In the case of thin tea, it is customary to wipe the rim of the tea bowl with a finger after sipping. Following this, fingers are refreshed with a piece of Kaishi drawn from a pocket, maintaining the pristine condition of the tea bowl.

For Koicha, or thick tea, the rim may be wiped directly with Kaishi, or alternatively, a special cloth known as a kochakin can be employed.

[Wrapping]
If any sweets remain uneaten, they can be securely wrapped in Kaishi for easy storage within a pocket or other suitable locations.

Origin: Japan