初しょ座ざ

noun

first half of a tea ceremony

Refers to the initial part of a formal tea gathering, during which charcoal is laid and a light meal (kaiseki) is served. Contrasts with 後座 (ござ), the second half where thick and thin tea are prepared.

See also: 後座 (ござ)

• 初しょ座ざでは炭すみ手て前まえが行おこなわれ、懐かい石せき料りょう理りが供きょうされる。

  During the first half of the tea ceremony, the charcoal-laying procedure is performed and a kaiseki meal is served.