Karado Kimen Buro Kama

A set of bronze furo (brazier) and cast iron kama (kettle).
A furo is a portable, fire-resistant wind-hearth, used to kindle a fire and hang a kettle during the tea ceremony. It is a wide, spherical vessel with an open top, supported by three legs. This open-style furo partially reveals the carefully shaped ash bed, known as the hai-gata or ash form. When the charcoal fire is rebuilt and the kama (kettle) is removed, guests are invited to observe the ash bed and the arrangement of the charcoal fire inside the furo.

This type of hearth is known as a Kimen Buro Gama, distinguished by two demon masks (kimen) adorning the body of the brazier. The design of the kimen buro is heavily influenced by Chinese design and concept. The demon motif may be likened to the dragon, which is a symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism. The metal rings were for transporting the furo and kama. The fierce expressions are believed to serve as powerful talismans, warding off evil and misfortune. The dragon also brings rain, and thus provides protection against fire.

Placed on the furo, there is a cast iron kettle (kama) for heating tea water. The kama for tea ceremony has no spout or handle, and is moved with a pair of loose "kan", metal rings.

A lacquered wooden board is included in the set, serving as a base for the brazier. The Karado Kimen Buro comes in a wooden box.

History of furo:
The furo is a portable brazier used in the Japanese tea ceremony to heat water for tea preparation. Its origins trace back to China, and was introduced to Japan by the Buddhist monk Nanpo Jomyō during the early Kamakura period (12th–13th centuries). He brought back Buddhist altar fittings from China, including the furo, which were then incorporated into Japanese tea practices.

Furo as a seasonal tool in tea ceremony:
Initially, the furo was employed year-round in the tea ceremony. However, during the Muromachi period (14th–16th centuries), tea masters began to distinguish between seasonal practices. The furo became associated with the warmer months, typically used from early May to early November, while the "ro", a sunken hearth, was reserved for the colder months.

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