An elegant and intellectual work, “The Book of Tea” was written in 1906 by Okakura Kakuzo, a brilliant Japanese man with an early education in English. Through his intimate knowledge of Japanese aesthetics and ability to effectively communicate them to a Western audience, Okakura is able to discuss ‘Teaism’ and its impact on Japanese culture,
An elegant and intellectual work, “The Book of Tea” was written in 1906 by Okakura Kakuzo, a brilliant Japanese man with an early education in English. Through his intimate knowledge of Japanese aesthetics and ability to effectively communicate them to a Western audience, Okakura is able to discuss ‘Teaism’ and its impact on Japanese culture, thought, and life in an informative and profound way. He develops this theory by explaining the history and universality of the tea ceremony, its inextricable connection to Taoism and Buddhism, and the importance of one’s surroundings when taking tea. This essay expounds on simplicity, nature, and art, from paintings to flower arrangements, to architecture, and ends with an anecdote about one of the most famous tea masters, Sen no Rikyu. This eloquent work puts readers at ease as it explores beauty and imperfection, the subtleties of austerity, and the philosophies of monks, artists, and gardeners in ‘the way of tea’. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
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Philosophy, Life, Art, Flowers, Architecture, This Moment… and Tea. Appreciation. Published in 1906, Okakuraâs âBook of Teaâ espouses that tea is the foundation for a system of life, a philosophy, and itâs associated benefits all conspire to bring together that which is fundamental, holistically and spiritually. From Taoist and Zen upbringings, Teaism (not a typo!) comes with an admixture of the two as a world-philosophy, disposition and mindset. Being in the here and now and as Okakura writes: âThe whole ideal of Teaism is a result of this Zen conception of greatness in the…
Not Really About Tea! First off, not really about tea. It’s an overview of the history and philosophy of China and Japan through talking about tea. Okakura is a Japanese author who learned English at a young age, written in 1906.I found this book by clicking around on some links about Wabi-Sabi and because of my love for Chinese Tea I decided to read this one. The tea ceremony’s I have been involved in are certainly rich, simple, peaceful experiences, it has a similar effect as yoga on mind and body. I…
Beatiful book about beauty of the moment I love this book!It is not only a guide through history of tea, but a guide through the history of humanity, history of the relation between East and West and its values. The way it is written is poetic but it is still showing what the main differences between East and West are and how we are unable to understand the beauty of the moment, the beauty of present time, which is in the center of the tea ceremony.Western people are so determined to stick to their past and trying so hard…