The Book of Tea

By Kakuzo Okakura,

Book cover of The Book of Tea

Book description

Now available in a gorgeous hardcover slipcase edition, this "object d'art" will be sure to add grace and elegance to tea shelves, coffee tables and bookshelves. A keepsake enjoyed by tea lovers for over a hundred years, The Book of Tea Classic Edition will enhance your enjoyment and understanding of…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Book of Tea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Okakura links Taoist and Zen philosophy to the tangible world by way of the aesthetics of tea, which are actually the aesthetics of life itself.  The title of this slim volume is disarmingly understated, then. It is the most approachable book on aesthetics I know.

From Kevin's list on Japanese aesthetics.

Anyone interested in tea should own a copy of Kakuzo’s book and should read it regularly. The inspirational pages talk about the spirit of tea, the philosophy, and the art of tea as part of life. Kakuzo calls tea the ‘cup of humanity’ and talks of ‘teaism’, which he explains as ‘a cult founded on the adoration of the beautiful among the sordid facts of everyday existence”. His moving words explain that an appreciation of tea leads us to live our lives more kindly, valuing democracy, morality, empathy, and an understanding of others. His thoughts are so well crafted and…

From Jane's list on tea and tea history.

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