Turning objects on kobukusa

(from Okeiko-Glenn-2025-05-18)

There are two ways to turn the Kobukusa: spinning it (the Urasenke standard), and picking it up to rotate ( glenn ‘s preference).

Picking it up to rotate

This is his favorite. He thinks it’s more delicate.

1. Both hands touch the L and R sides of the kobukusa at the same time.
   1. This is not shikaden! No right-left makes contact first business! Both at the same time.
2. R goes up to corner, L goes down to corner.
3. Hands come up in a “C”-shape, with thumbs directly touching the shoulder of the dougu.
4. Rotate.
5. Hands off the dougu, and fully back down onto the corners.
6. Move R, then L, hands to the opposite corners.
7. Then repeat hands coming up to a “C” shape and rotate.
8. Place out.

Spinning it

This is his least favorite, the Urasenke way of taking the corners and spinning. His preference, if you are going to spin, is to hold deeply into the fabric.

Think about it like turning a Dai. You hold the Hane deeply, then turn. Same thing with fabric. Hold the fabric deeply, then turn with your fingers closer to the chaire.

Note

I actually really like this. It feels more ergonomic than picking it up, and tbh feels safer to me. I need to try this some more.