The Japanese Tea Ceremony - by A L Sadler (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a detailed examination of the five-centuries-old tea ceremony--or Cha-no-Yu in Japanese, literally "hot water for tea"--a cornerstone of Japanese culture and a core practice of Zen Buddhism.

Framed by intricately choreographed steps, the tea ceremony is as much about the search for enlightenment as it is about serving tea. Within the serenity of the tea room, the ceremony, with its highly formal structure, becomes an object of focus for meditation. As the water is heated and the tea is served, the ultimate goal is losing the sense of self while gaining inner peace. The path to mindfulness runs through the center of the tea ceremony.

Abundantly illustrated with over 160 drawings and 40 color photos showing every aspect of the ceremony, this book takes readers on a complete tour of furniture and utensils, teahouses and gardens, and numerous other features of Cha-no-Yu. It also delves into the many disciplines included within the broader framework of the tea ceremony--Japanese art, calligraphy, flower arrangements, architecture, gardening, and exquisite handicrafts. Learn more about the experiences of masters of the tea ceremony over the centuries and histories of the various schools and traditions of the art of tea. Full-color photos of tea bowls, teahouses, and gardens reveal the exquisite artistry of the cult of tea and this important Japanese tradition.

With a new foreword by award-winning author Laura C. Martin, The Japanese Tea Ceremony is a fascinating exploration of the ritual and Zen philosophy of one of Japan's greatest customs, truly "an epitome of Japanese civilization."

Review Quotes

"I am even more interested in the beautiful art of tea ceremonies now!" --Traveling Book Nerds

"This classic text, first published in 1933, takes one on a journey through time, space and mindfulness. It gives deep insights into how the art of tea ceremony (Cha-no-yu in Japanese, 'hot water for tea'), is not merely about its practical aspects--tea rooms, utensils or gardens--but the arrangement of these various essential components within a space where simplicity is embraced and each movement is a conscious meditation of a calm mind, like a Zen practice." --Kyoto Journal

About the Author

A.L. Sadler was Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Sydney for twenty-six years as well as Professor of Japanese at the Royal Military College of Australia. Among his works are Shogun: The Life of Tokugawa Ieyasu, A Short History of Japanese Architecture, A Short History of Japan, The Ten Foot Square Hut, and Tales of the Heike.

Laura C. Martin is an award-winning author who has studied the complexities of plants for decades. She served as the garden editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Georgia magazine and has written for publications ranging from American Horticulturist to Better Homes & Gardens. She is the author of A History of Tea: The Life and Times of the World's Favorite Beverage.