Futa-Oki

Futa-oki literally means "lid-rest." During the tea ceremony, the lid of the hot water kettle is often kept there. When not holding the hot water lid, the hishaku (water ladle) is often rested on the Futa-oki.

The futa-oki is cut from bamboo such that the root end faces upright, which makes the lid-rest upside down when used. The futa-oki is also used to rest the bamboo hishaku (water Ladle), used to dispense hot and cold water when making tea.

All Futa-oki have an indentation or hole at the top called "Take-no-hi".  This forces the hishaku to touch only 2-spots on the Futa-oki when placed on it.  Some Futa-oki must be maneuvered to expose the Take-no-hi indentation before the hishaku can be placed on the Futa-oki.