The Tea Ceremony

In Japan, serving tea is an art and a spiritual discipline. The tea ceremony is an occasion to appreciate the clean lines of the tearoom's design, the feel of the bowl in the hand, and the company of friends. It is also a discipline, with roots in the twelfth century and close connections with architecture, landscape gardening, ceramics, painting, flower arrangement, and of course, Zen Buddhism.Written by one of Japan's contemporary tea masters, The Tea Ceremony takes a clear and comprehensive look at the sources and inspiration of an ancient discipline. Sen'o Tanaka traces the practice from its earliest origins to the present day, considering in detail the individuals who helped it evolve. He discusses all the elements of the ceremony -- including art, architecture, incense, flowers, and the influence of Zen -- and shows how readily the study of tea can serve as a spiritual path to greater insight and calm.Originally published twenty-five years ago, The Tea Ceremony has been revived here in a magnificent new illustrated edition. A lavish selection of entirely new photographs and line drawings adds a visual dimension to the text, capturing the aesthetic spirit that is the heart of the ritual.