Tana – Gogyu-dana

Gogyo dana can be translated as “Five element shelf”. The 11th Urasenke Grand Tea Master, Gengen sai, preferred this shelf. The Gogyo dana shelf is made out of cedar and bamboo. You must use a “doburo” (brazier made of clay) which is then placed on the ji ita of this shelf. Hence this shelf has a harmonious yin-yang balance as well as the five elements; wood for the shelf, fire in the brazier, earth in the clay of the brazier, metal of the kettle and water filling the kettle.