Procedures
Temae
The structured forms of tea preparation
Temae (点前) refers to the structured procedures for preparing and serving tea. In Omotesenke, temae is not simply a recipe to follow. It is a refined form (kata) that integrates body, utensils, space, and season into a coherent act of hospitality.
In Omotesenke, temae is organized by the license system: each level of study opens access to new procedures. The Nyūmon (entrance) license encompasses a surprisingly complete set — enough temae to conduct a full formal chaji. Every procedure exists in two seasonal forms: ro (sunken hearth, November–April) and furo (portable brazier, May–October).
The categories below organize temae by type. Introductory tray forms come first. Then the carried (hakobi) and shelf (tana) forms for both usucha and koicha. Finally the charcoal procedures — shozumi and gozumi — which structure the fire that makes all tea possible.
These descriptions are educational overviews, not instructional guides. Temae is learned through guided practice with a qualified teacher.
Beyond Nyūmon
Procedures from Naraigoto onward — including the sōden licenses — are not described in detail here. Their content is transmitted in person through the teacher lineage. This reference covers the Nyūmon level in educational terms. See the Learning page for the full license progression.
Categories
Introductory (Tray)
Ryakutemae / O-bon-date
Hakobi (Carried)
Usucha & Koicha
Tana (Shelf)
Usucha & Koicha
Sumi (Charcoal)
Shozumi & Gozumi
Advanced (Licensed)
Naraigoto and beyond
Related
Video Library
Temae Video Reference
Select filters to find video demonstrations of each temae. Videos by John Larissou Sensei (表千家流). Use the Season → Gender → Tea Type → Temae flow, or select Temae directly to browse all available videos.
Choose filters above, then select a temae to begin.
Knowledge Quiz / 知識クイズ
Temae Knowledge Quiz
Test your knowledge of Omotesenke tea ceremony — utensil names, etiquette phrases, temae procedures, room terms, and the correct order of utensils and dialogue. Questions draw directly from the glossary and dialogue reference materials.
Select Category
48 questions available in this category
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