| Name | Fukusa 帛紗 |
|---|---|
| Size | About 27 × 28 cm; shioze silk is standard |
| Color custom | Purple for men, red or vermilion for women (varies by school); dashibukusa and kobukusa are separate items |
The fukusa's form is credited to Sōon, wife of Rikyū, who devised it for purifying utensils. Worn at the host's waist, it became the very badge of the person making tea.
Beyond plain shioze silk, kobukusa and dashibukusa woven with famous meibutsu-gire patterns accompany the bowl in thick tea — a whole history of textiles folded into one small square.
Tucked at the left waist — the sign of the host.
The shihō-sabaki sequence dusts the cloth, then folds it to wipe caddy and scoop.
Silk hates water. When soiled, replace it — it is a consumable.
A purifying cloth is best bought new.
Kobukusa in meibutsu-gire weaves are the exception — a rich vintage market. Verify the pattern name and age.
A limp, tired cloth folds badly and frustrates practice.
Match the color custom of your school and role.
Once the shop is connected, pre-loved silk cloths available now will appear right here.