On September 4, an autumn special exhibition named "Ji-in Yukari-no Chanoyu-kama," or chanoyu iron pots associated with temples, started at Onishi Seiwemon Museum in Shinmachi Nishi-iru, Sanjo-dori, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. The museum owns special iron pots used for chanoyu, the Japanese way of tea. A variety of iron pots are displayed; some were cast with temple names on them, while others have interesting anecdotes with them. They convey the feeling of the weight of history.

Temples have historically had a deep relationship with chanoyu, and the spirit of Zen has influenced both chanoyu and its equipment. Iron pots for chanoyu were originally made by hand, and in many cases, unique ones have been handed down for generations in temples. Due to this, the exhibition is focusing on the pots especially associated with temples for the first time.

The large iron pot from Daitoku-ji Temple is particularly huge, at 60 centimeters in diameter and 55 centimeters in height, and is said to have been used at the grand tea ceremony in Murasakino, hosted by by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. The round pot from Koetsu-ji Temple has an elegant form, said to be a favorite style of Koetsu Hon-ami, an artist who created in a variety of fields around the 17th century. There are also other unique pots including "Murasaki-no Shiribari-gama" made by Yojiro Tsuji, a pot maker for Sen no Rikyu, and "Yugao-gama" from Hokyoji Imperial Convent.

"Every pot has a unique shape and form, and is quite interesting. I hope that visitors appreciate them, thinking of their temple history, associated people, and historical background," said Seiwemon Onishi, the museum director. There is an admission fee. The exhibition will be open until December 20, and is closed on Mondays.