{"product_id":"the-book-of-tea-9781513215792","title":"The Book of Tea","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Book of Tea\u003c\/i\u003e (1906) is a book-length essay by Okakura Kakuzō. Connected to the author's overall project of celebrating Japanese culture and emphasizing the role of the East in creating the modern world, The Book of Tea is considered a classic work on the subject. His description of \u003ci\u003echadō\u003c\/i\u003e, or teaism, remains incredibly influential in England and around the Western world. \"[Teaism] insulates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order. It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life.\" Part philosophy, part history, \u003ci\u003eThe Book of Tea\u003c\/i\u003e explores the role of tea in shaping the arts and culture of Japan, China, and the world. Beginning with an investigation of the historical uses of tea, Okakura reflects on the specific techniques of tea brewing, the connections between tea and religion, and the interconnection of tea and the creative arts. Informative and meditative, \u003ci\u003eThe Book of Tea\u003c\/i\u003e is an essential work for tea drinkers everywhere. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Okakura Kakuzō's \u003ci\u003eThe Book of Tea\u003c\/i\u003e is a classic of Japanese literature reimagined for modern readers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eKakuzō, Okakura:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOkakura Kakuzō\u003c\/b\u003e (1863-1913) was a Japanese scholar. Born in Tokyo, Okakura was the son of a silk merchant. At fifteen, having learned English at the school of Christian missionary Dr. Curtis Hepburn, he enrolled at Tokyo Imperial University, where he studied under esteemed art historian Ernest Fenollosa. In 1887, Okakura cofounded the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, but was ousted from his role several years later. He spent his career as one of Japan's leading cultural ambassadors, travelling throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia in his capacity as a lecturer. In 1910, he became the first head of the Asian art division of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His major literary works, most of which were written in English, include \u003ci\u003eThe Ideals of the East with Special Reference to the Art of Japan\u003c\/i\u003e (1903), \u003ci\u003eThe Awakening of Japan\u003c\/i\u003e (1904), and \u003ci\u003eThe Book of Tea\u003c\/i\u003e (1906).\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mint Editions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50452405944594,"sku":"9781513215792","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_d03b2acc-a646-4bdd-9dbb-9bcb935e2c88.jpg?v=1729810698","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-book-of-tea-9781513215792","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}