Japanese Tea Ceremony Books

            

According to Wikipedia, the Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea. In Japanese, it is called chanoyu or chadō. The manner in which it is performed, or the art of its performance, is called otemae.

Tea gatherings are classified as ochakai or chaji. Chakai is a relatively simple course of hospitality that includes the service of confections, thin tea, and perhaps a light meal. Chaji is a more formal gathering, usually with a full-course meal (kaiseki), followed by confections, thick tea, and thin tea. A chaji may last up to four hours.

By the 16th century, tea drinking had spread to all levels of society in Japan. Sen no Rikyu, perhaps the most well known historical figure in the tea ceremony, followed the concept of ichi-go ichi-e, a philosophy that each meeting should be treasured. His teachings perfected many newly developed forms in Japanese architecture and gardens, fine and applied arts, and the full development of chadō, the "way of tea". The principles he set forward of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility are still central to the tea ceremony today.