The Book of Tea

Originally written in English in 1906 to be read aloud in the salon of Boston's famed art patron Isabella Stewart Gardner, The Book of Tea was Okakura's impassioned response to the Western world's growing misunderstanding—and disregard—of Japanese culture. A philosopher, curator, and early cultural preservationist, Okakura sought to bridge East and West, introducing a global audience to the subtle philosophies that shaped Japanese life.

Rather than focusing solely on the tea ceremony, Okakura explores the spiritual and philosophical worldview behind it, drawing connections between Teaism, Zen, Taoism, art, architecture, and poetry. At its heart, The Book of Tea invites readers to cultivate a mindful awareness of simplicity and beauty in the small moments of daily life.

Okakura Kakuzo was born near Tokyo and learned English in his infancy, refining his linguistic skills at the Institute for Foreign Studies in Tokyo. Later he went on to study Oriental Arts at the Tokyo Imperial University. Okakura lived in America for several years where he served as Curator of the Department of Chinese and Japanese art at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. He was instrumental in the acquisition of much of that museum's exemplary collection of Eastern art.

Originally published in 1906
Hardcover with slip case
160 pages