The Book of Tea

Kakuzo Okakura's legendary Book of Tea was first published in 1906 and is a classic when it comes to Japanese tea culture.

The tea ceremony - it's not just the preparation, the tea equipment, the room, but it's always about the refinement of the senses, the perfection of the form, the rhythm of the movements that make the ceremony a work of art. Okakura calls the philosophy of tea “teaism” and vividly describes how tea became a cult in Japan as early as the 8th century and how from there it began its triumphal march around the world.

Okakura's most famous font is now reissued at the Island Library with gorgeous illustrations by Alexandra Klobouk and Eva Gonçalves.