Tea Culture of Japan

First Edition, 2009. 112 pages. Book measures 8.5 x 10.75 inches.

Softcover in French-fold wrappers. Includes 174 color illustrations. Published on occasion of an exhibition at the Yale University Art Gallery. This book explores the aesthetics and history of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, examining the nature of tea collections and the links between connoisseurship, politics, and international relations. It also surveys current practices and settings in light of the ongoing transformation of the tradition in contemporary tea houses. Among the precious objects discussed and pictured are ceramic tea bowls, wooden tea scoops, metal sake pourers, and lacquered incense containers, as well as folding screens that evoke the historical settings of serving tea. Includes a contribution by Takeshi Watanabe. 

Near Fine in clean bright wrappers. Binding is tight.