Inoue Tea Small Chrysanthemum Kaishi Paper (5 sheets)

What is Kaishi (Kaiko-gami)?

Kaishi is a small piece of Japanese paper that is folded in two, designed for convenient carrying in one's pocket.
It is often referred to as a "letter," representing a piece of paper that can be easily held in hand.

From the aristocrats of the Heian period to the everyday individual today,
Kaishi has been utilized for a range of purposes including memo paper, handkerchiefs, chirigami, and letter paper.

30 sheets per square meter
14.5 x 17.5cm

The usage of Kaishi in traditional tea ceremonies is as follows:

[Receiving]
When serving confectionery, the guest employs Kaishi as a plate, replacing the traditional plate positioned in front of them. In this scenario, the washi is placed in front of the guest with the bundle still intact,

When completed, the chopsticks are wiped with the upper right or left corner of the Kaishi.
After consuming the sweets, one sheet is turned over from the bottom,
ensuring that no powder or debris spills out, and then it is carefully stored in the bosom or embankment of the kimono.

[Wipe]
For thin tea, it is customary to wipe the mouth of the tea bowl with a finger once drinking is finished. Subsequently, fingers are cleansed using a piece of Kaishi from the pocket to maintain the cleanliness of the tea bowl.

In the case of Koicha (thick tea), the mouth of the tea bowl can be wiped directly with Kaishi, or with a special cloth or paper known as a kochakin.

[Wrapping]
If sweets cannot be finished, they are wrapped in Kaishi for safekeeping in a pocket or a suitable place.

Origin: Japan