How to Choose the Right Kaishi Paper for the Japanese Tea Ceremony: Seasonal, Formal, and Practical Considerations

In the Japanese tea ceremony, even the smallest detail carries meaning. Kaishi paper is not only practical for receiving wagashi 🍡, but it also reflects the season, the formality of the gathering, and the host’s sensitivity to the occasion.

Used in the Japanese tea ceremony, kaishi paper is a traditional washi paper placed on the tatami to serve sweets or used to wipe the tea bowl with grace. You can even use it to scribble on it. The choice of design reflects awareness of seasonal motifs and the spirit of the gathering.

In tea practice, intention is expressed through harmony. Selecting the right kaishi paper is not only a practical decision. It is a gesture of consideration, aligning season, setting, and etiquette.

 

🌸 Choosing Kaishi by Season

Seasonality lies at the heart of Japanese tea culture. The host’s sensitivity to seasonal motifs is one of the foundations of sado. Kaishi should harmonise with the time of year rather than distract from it.

🌷 Spring Kaishi

Spring represents renewal and softness. Plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and birds are common motifs reflecting new beginnings.

For informal spring gatherings or study sessions, you may consider:

Strawberry kaishi for informal spring tea gatherings 🍓
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-strawberry

Spring Bird kaishi inspired by renewal and lightness 🕊
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-spring-bird

Treasure the Striped Plums Ume motif kaishi for early spring tea 🌸
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-treasure-the-striped-plums

🌿 Summer Kaishi

Summer tea gatherings often favour cooling imagery and simplicity. Lighter designs or plain white kaishi can create a sense of freshness.

Goldfish kaishi for summer tea gatherings 🐟
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-goldfish

Plain white kaishi for formal summer settings 🤍
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/plain-kaishi-white-paper

🍁 Autumn Kaishi

Autumn in tea is deeply poetic. Maple leaves, grasses, and harvest symbolism evoke maturity and transition.

Maple & Plum kaishi for autumn tea ceremonies 🍁
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-maple-plum

Lespedeza and Rabbit Hagi motif kaishi for autumn gatherings 🐇
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-lespedeza-and-rabbit

❄️ Winter and New Year Kaishi

Winter tea gatherings and New Year ceremonies often carry strong symbolism such as longevity, resilience, and auspicious beginnings.

Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Shochikubai kaishi for New Year tea 🎍
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-checkered-with-pine-bamboo-and-plum-with-paper-case

Mt Fuji kaishi for New Year gatherings 🗻
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-mt-fuji

The key across all seasons is balance. Kaishi should support the atmosphere, not dominate it.

🏯 Formal vs Informal Kaishi

The level of formality plays an important role when choosing kaishi paper for the Japanese tea ceremony.

Formal Tea Gatherings Chaji

In very formal settings, restraint is preferred. Designs are often minimal or symbolic rather than decorative.

Plain white kaishi for formal chaji 🤍
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/plain-kaishi-white-paper

Mt Fuji kaishi for symbolic New Year formality 🗻
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-mt-fuji

Five-Storied Pagoda kaishi reflecting classical architecture 🏯
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-five-storied-pagoda

Crane on gosho car kaishi symbolising longevity 🕊
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-crane-on-gosho-car-with-paper-case

These motifs remain elegant and respectful within traditional tea settings.

Informal Practice and Study

In chakai, study practice, or personal gatherings, a wider variety of designs may be enjoyed.

Strawberry kaishi for relaxed seasonal practice 🍓
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-strawberry

Ball and Cat kaishi for joyful informal settings 🐾
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-ball-and-cat

Apprentice Geisha kaishi inspired by Kyoto tradition 🎎
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-apprentice-geisha

Japanese Sweets kaishi celebrating wagashi culture 🍡
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-japanese-sweets

Understanding the tone of the gathering ensures that kaishi aligns naturally with the overall composition of the tea experience.

📜 Practical Considerations When Choosing Kaishi

Beyond aesthetics, practitioners should consider functionality.

• Thickness and absorbency
• Folding ease
• Texture against delicate wagashi
• Size consistency

Higher-quality kaishi maintains structure without stiffness and absorbs moisture gracefully.

When choosing between designs, you may also consider:

• With or without paper case for convenience (easier to slide kaishi w/case inside your kimono)
• Everyday practice versus hosted gathering
• Kaishi sets as thoughtful tea ceremony gifts 🎁

For example:

Plain white kaishi for regular practice 🤍
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/plain-kaishi-white-paper

Strawberry kaishi with paper case for gifting 🍓
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/products/kaishi-strawberry

Our kaishi is made from Iyo Washi, a traditional washi paper produced in Ehime Prefecture, known for its soft and gentle texture. Beautiful Japanese patterns and seasonal scenes are incorporated into each design.

🍵 A Final Reflection

Selecting kaishi paper is not about decoration.

It is about harmony between season, setting, and intention.

Explore our seasonal kaishi collection at Tea Room Senryu, where tradition meets thoughtful design:
https://www.tearoomsenryu.com/collections/kaishi

In tea, even paper expresses hospitality :)