The architectural space called chashitsu and

**The architectural space called chashitsu and garden called ROJI(露地)



*The constituent elements of the chashitsu and ROJI

Chanoyu in formal style requires the exclusive space of a chashitsu(tea room). Attendant to this chashitsu is a garden called ORJI. The architectural form called chashitsu may roughly be categorized as a kind of traditional Japanese building, but it has various characteristics that set it apart from the usual form of traditional Japanese building.

Firstly, on initial look form the outside it appears humble. In truth, however, extremely fine considerations are involved, and it definitely is not a humble building. Let us examine its overall construction by first taking a look at the constituent elements of the chashitsu and ROJI. 1. The constituents of the chashitsu
The roof: Making use of wood and thatch, it evokes a rustic atmosphere.

The ceiling: To alleviate any sense of constriction within the room, the ceiling is not built as one flat surface but may change level, type of material, and so on. Sometimes a part of the underside of the roof is revealed, and in such cases the wood used is carefully selected so that it presents a beautiful appearance.

The walls, windows,and pillars: The walls are earthen, giving a soft effect. The windows are not only designed to let sunlight into the room, but also work to produce a sense of expansiveness in the small chashitsu. As for the pillars, the room is basically constructed so that they are not visible,and even when they are visible they are inconspicuous. However, in certain circumstances a pillar that is not perfectly straight may be raised in a spot near the room and thereby making the small chashitsu seem more expansive.

The entrance ways: The doorway for the guests is separate from that for the host. The doorway called NIJIRIGUCHI(躙口,crawl through doorway) that is for the guests is so small that one must bend down in order to pass through. A reason given for this design is that it forces anyone who enters through it to bow, no matter how illustrious that person may be. For the host, sometimes there are two doorways. In such cases, one is for use when doing the tea making, and the other is for use when bringing in the meal items. The doorways effectively add an impression of roominess to the small space.

The floor and RO(hearth built into the door): Tatami cover the floor, and a RO(炉) is built into one section. The Ro is a place where ash and charcoal fire are laid, and in olden times there were ones about 60 cm. square. now, however, the size is set at about 40cm. square. A wooden frame called ROGUCHI(炉縁) is inserted around the Ro, and often it has a urushi(漆, Japanese lacquer) finish. It effectively gives the chasitsu accent.

The tokonoma: This is a display place, and extends out from a part of the chashitsu. Normally it is about 120cm. From side to side and 60cm, from front to back. The location in the room depends upon the layout of the chashitsu.

The mizuya(preparation room): This is a room for conducting the preparations for the chanoyu and temporarily housing the chadogu that are to be used. A chashitsu generally has such a room built onto it. No matter the size of the chashitsu, the standard size of the mizuya is bout 5m^2. Once the host has completed the preparations, he waits here for the guests to enter the chashitus, and once they have all assembled, he enters and begins the temae. When the chakai ends, the host sees the guests off and then cleans things up here in the mizuya. As water is needed to wash the chadogu, usually there is a water faucet in the mizuya. If there is no running water, a vat for water is set in the room. Also, there are shelves for temporarily housing the chadogu. The chadogu most of the time are stored in a storehouse(蔵、kura) or similar storage place.

2. The constituents of the ROJI

Enteranceway and middle gate: The ROJ entrance way and 'middle gate'(中門,chumon) built midway in it are very simple in style, and there are many forms.

Machiai(waiting place): This is where the guests wait for each other, and generally is a simple roofed-over bench, but in some rare instances has a room attached, for changing clothing and so forth.

Setchin(雪隠,privy). In olden times the privy in the ROJI was for actual use, but now it is only a formal element of the ROJI. There is a privy for actual use near the chashitsu.

Stepping stones(飛石): These are stones set along the path in the garden, on which the guests walk. The stones and way they are arranged take many forms.

Foliage and moss(樹木・苔): The plants are low in height, and are of varieties that do not put on flowers. Moss, which deepens the greenness, also is an important element.

Toro(灯籠,stone lantern): These are devices for lighting the ROJI, and make use of candlelight. There maybe several of these in the ROJI. They are lit for nighttime chakai.

Tsubukubai(蹲,蹲踞,low stone water-basin): At the tsukubai, guests rinse their hands and mouth. A toro stands nearby, for lighting nighttime Chakai.

* The Distinctive Features and Function of the Chashitsu and ROji

Sitting in a chashitsu, one comes to feel calm and serene, and this owes to various ingenious devices designed into the chashitsu and ROJI. Hereunder is a description of the considerations and devices that are integral elements of them.