For Further Reading

This week on the SweetPersimmon blog:  April fool's for tea, Knowing contentment, Maru Joku and Journey of the kettle.

Check out my site for meditation seats, incense and Koh do utensils, specialty leaf teas, teaware, books and more. SweetPersimmon has matcha tea powder as well as Koh do and tea ceremony utensils for sale: SweetPersimmon.com

Having trouble sitting?  SweetPersimmon has meditation seats for tea and zazen.

"I like my new zazen bench. It's Great!
...everyone thought it was extremely cool. I could hardly believe it could be small enough to put in your kimono sleeve, but it sure enough is! The design is just so clean and functional, it's so nicely finished and so strong, and I love how the bag converts to upholstery. It really fits a guy my size perfectly." ~ Tim Olson, Tea Ceremony Instructor

Tea Utensils on the Internet

 Tea Passage is an online store for tea utensils.  "One of our goals is to make a full line of tea utensils and supplies available to tea practitioners who reside outside Japan. We are committed to helping spread the tea spirit and would like our website to serve as a place to share ideas and knowledge about tea."

MATCHAandMORE, Inc. is an online store for matcha tea powder and tea utensils.  Also offers books and links to tea instructors.
"Matcha and More is committed to providing fresh, premium quality Japanese matcha and high quality utensils for chanoyu, the Japanese Way of Tea. The matcha comes directly from Japan and each utensil has been selected for its value and quality."

Tea Toys is an online store in Kyoto Japan with a wide variety of tea utensils, tea sweets and matcha tea powder. It includes a great reference in how to care for tea utensils. Closed until further notice

Minamoto Kitchoan is a tea sweets store in New York and London. They offer wagashi, Japanese traditional cakes. You can order online as well.
"Japanese traditional cakes are prepared in a variety of ways using three chief ingredients: farina (mainly, rice flour), azuki bean-jam, and sugar. This mixture contains no fat and does wonders in boosting your energy. By adding seasonal fruit and nuts we create our original flavors that best represent each season. We take great pride in delivering our "creative desserts" to the world."
 

Tea Ceremony Organizations

Urasenke Konnichian, Kyoto, Japan

Urasenke Foundation, Seattle Branch

Urasenke Foundation, San Francisco

Urasenke Foundation, Washington DC

Urasenke Boston

Urasenke, London

Urasenke, Europe

Phillytea in Philadelphia

Chanoyu Center of Chicago

 Japanese Tearoom, Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA

Omotesenke of Florida

Sowing the Moon Teahouse

Chanoyu.com

Midorikai

Tea and Zen

Other Recommended Links:

Kaiseki Cooking Classes:
Hiroko Sugiyama Culinary Atelier

Phillytea blog

Waka Poetry

Japanese Embroidery

Japanese swords

Wind in the Pines, Classic Writings of the Way of Tea as a Buddhist Path compiled and edited by Dennis Hirota
ISBN: 0875730736 Hardcover
This may be the definitive text on Chanoyu, comparable in importance to Okakura's Book of Tea. Hirota penetrates the Buddhist essence of Tea and understands its authentic origins. Essential for any serious Tea practitioner. It is not a simple history or manual, but a mature and sophisticated reflection on the true nature of Tea as a Way and a practice. Wind in the Pines is a inspiration and also an invitation to penetrate the relationship of Tea to the other Buddhist arts, including renga and haiku and flower arranging (ikebana) and is the product of the deepest appreciation, insight, knowledge and scholarship

The Tea Ceremony, by Sen’O Tanaka
ISBN: 4770025076 Softcover
This book is for anyone wanting to know more about subjects ranging from gardening to ceramics. Interested in Raku pottery? Study the tea ceremony. Want to know more about Japanese gardens? Study the tea ceremony. A fan of Zen Buddhism? Learn the way of Tea. Want to know more about Japanese architecture? Learn about sukiya style by studying the tea ceremony. Are you interested in Japanese woodworking and joinery? Learn about Tea, you'll know more about what to hide, what to emphasize in your carpentry. This particular books is a very good starting point, don't be surprised if you read this and then become interested in 20 other subjects.

Tea in Japan: Essays on the History of Chanoyu by Kumakura Isao (Editor), Paul H. Varley (Editor)
ISBN: 0-8248-1717-6 Paperback
Tea in Japan illuminates in depth and detail chanoyu's cultural connections and evolution from the early Kamakura period... It is the quality of seeing the familiar and not so familiar elements of tea emerge as a dynamic saga of human invention and cultural intervention that makes this book exhilarating and the details that the authors provide that make these essays fascinating.
 

The Book of Tea by Okakuro Kakuzo ISBN: 0804832196 Hardcover
On the surface, this is a book about history - the history of tea, and art, and religion. But this is really a book about so much more - it compares the culture and way of thinking of the East and West, the past and the present. It makes the reader think about and reassess what is important in life, what is really beautiful, what is worth keeping or fighting for. What is dignity. This essay, which wends its way between the discovery of tea, flower arranging, architecture and Taoism along with other enticing subjects, is truly an enlightening and thrilling book, in a quiet and gentle way. Whether you are interested in East Asian culture, Tea, or would just like a compass to help you re-orientate your priorities, you will probably gain something from this ode to the importance and influence of Tea.

Chado: The Japanese Way of Tea by Soshitsu Sen
ISBN: 0834815184 Hardcover
Well-written and well-illustrated, Chado briefly covers philosophy and history, while the majority of the book focuses on the more practical aspects of hospitality: gardens, teahouses, utensils, etiquette procedures for guest and host. Color and black and white photographs illustrate a variety of the utensils employed in Chado. Examples of scrolls, flower arrangements, and sweets accompany explanations of their use in conjunction with the seasons. Guest procedures for a standard tea gathering cover the invitation, appropriate attire, articles to be taken, arrival, the meal, viewing the arranging of the charcoal, intermission, thick tea, thin tea, and departure. The final chapter contains the detailed procedures required of all beginning Urasenke students, called "wari geiko." Whether or not the reader is just beginning the study of tea, or an advanced student in need of a reference for review.
 

The Sprit of Tea by Sen Soshitsu; translated by Paul Varley and Kurokawa Shozo ISBN:0834805308 Paperback
This elegant discourse presents the procedures and implements of the Way of Tea through exquisite photography and informative text. It not only introduces in a step-by-step and readily comprehensible manner all the formal elements in of the tea ceremony, it also discusses in depth the philosophical and spiritual values underlying this ancient tradition. This book captures part of the grace, beauty, serenity and philosophy of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
 

 
Zen Words, Zen Calligraphy by Eido Tai Shimano, Kogetsu Tani (Illustrator) ASIN: 087773643X Hardcover
The heart of Zen is expressed here in beautiful Japanese calligraphies, some of them just a word, other a famous Zen phrase from a person from a poem, koan, or anecdote. Shimano, a well-known Japanese-American Zen master, uses Zen stories and teachings to illuminate the inner meanings of each calligraphy.
 

Kokin Wakashu With Tosa Nikki and Shinsen Waka Translator: McCullough, Helen Craig ISBN: 0804712581 Hardcover
Royally commissioned in order to return Japanese poetry to the public arena after a renewed interest in Chinese literature, the Kokinshu's compilers linked the poems by topic, theme, imagery, and chronological and narrative progression to form an integrated anthology; thus, the Kokinshu is meant to be read as a single unit. An excellent translation of the first imperial anthology of imperial poetry with Japanese romanji on one page and English translation on the facing pages. Highly recommended for seasonal feeling relating to Japanese Tea Ceremony.
 

The Japanese Way of Tea From Its Origins in China to Sen Rikyu by Sen Soshitsu XV, trans. by V. Dixon Morris
ISBN: 0-8248-1990-X Paperback
This scholarly work first examines the discovery & establishment of tea & tea culture in China, in particular the profound influence of Lu Yu in developing a Chinese tea tradition. The remainder of the book is devoted to explaining the development of the peculiarly Japanese tea culture which grew from Chinese beginnings following tea's introduction to Japan from China during the Tang Dynasty. The book is well illustrated with some superb full color plates, and a number of black & white photographs.
 

Japanese Style by Suzanne Slesin, Stafford Cliff, Daniel Rozensztroch (Contributor), Gilles De Chabaneix, David Kidd ISBN: 0517560801 Hardcover
Excellent examples of architecture, beautiful interior design, and superb photography. Just the right juxtaposition of traditional and modern. Each of the major sections has both Japanese and Western Styles. Normally this would not mix, had it been contrived, but all of the examples in the book are real houses where people live and work. No Architectural Digest type of Houses that look artificial and posed are to be found in this book. My favorites are the traditional Japanese houses of which there really great examples. This book can give you hundreds of ideas for decorating your house tastefully. The photography really does justice to these houses and the subtle aesthetics of the Japanese Style.
 

Zen and Japanese Culture by D.T. Suzuki ISBN: 0691017700 Paperback
One of this century's leading works on Zen, this book is a valuable source for those wishing to understand its concepts in the context of Japanese life and art. In simple, often poetic, language, Suzuki describes what Zen is, how it evolved, and how its emphasis on primitive simplicity and self-effacement have helped to shape an aesthetics found throughout Japanese culture. He explores the surprising role of Zen in the philosophy of the samurai, and subtly portrays the relationship between Zen and swordsmanship, haiku, tea ceremonies, and the Japanese love of nature. Suzuki's contemplative discussion is enhanced by anecdotes, poetry, and illustrations showing silk screens, calligraphy, and examples of architecture.
 

Tea Life, Tea Mind by Soshitsu Sen
ASIN: 0834801426 Paperback
A Japanese tea master discusses his art, and throws in a few anecdotes of his own life and stories about famous tea masters from the past. Overall, this is a wonderful introduction to the spirit behind the tea ceremony, which as just as important as the particulars of the process itself. The author's warmth and sincere goodwill come through nicely in this slim, peaceful volume.
 

This Moment: Tea Ceremony Haiku by Margaret Chula
ISBN: 0963855174 Paperback
Always Filling, Always Full by Margaret Chula
ISBN: 1893996115 Paperback
Haiku especially for Tea, written by award winning haiku poet Maggie Chula. This title is back in print, and I recommend any of her books: Grinding My Ink, Shadow Lines or Always Filling, Always Full. “Visual imagery, which predominates in most English as well as Japanese haiku, is sometimes astonishing in Chula's. She has the uncommonly keen perception and compositional skills of a painter or fine photographer, while at the same time working with the music and implications of language.” Morgan Gibson, Kyoto Journal.  Order your copy from:

Katsura Press
P.O. Box 10584
Portland OR 97296
 

The Book of Incense: Enjoying the Traditional Art of Japanese Scents by Kiyoko Morita ISBN: 4770023898 Paperback
Incense ceremony is just as poetic, elegant and fun as Tea Ceremony. This book explains how the ceremony is set up with pictures of beautiful utensils and instruments. This book takes you through the history of Japanese incense. Your find that the most comment joss stick incense only has one hundred year history. Before then, Japanese burn woodchips, kneaded incense and granulated incense. This book of incense takes you to a wonderful world of koh-do, incense ceremony.
 

The Book of Kimono by Norio Yamanaka ISBN: 0870117858 Paperback
In this book you’ll discover the history of kimono, and complete and detailed explanations of actual and colorful kimonos presented with good quality pictures. You’ll also been presented to all accessories which are needed to wear decently a kimono. In the end you will get some hints about behavior you should have while wearing a kimono Nario Yamanaka, a leading authority on kimonos and who has also established the Sodo Kimono Academy in Japan , truly knows the kimono and exhibits its true beauty in a most lovely manner. Included in the book is a brief history of the origin of the kimono, the process of making the garment, different types of kimonos for different seasons, the tying of the obi sash, beautiful color photos and kimono etiquette. There is a also a detailed step - by - step section on how to wear the kimono.
 

Tea and Ceremony: Experiencing Tranquility by Diana Saltoon
ISBN-10: 0931191181 Paperback.
Tea and Ceremony is about far more than tea. The book deals with the American fascination with Zen, meditation, and the value of simply living. It's about experiencing tranquility, about ceremony and removal and how removal improves the quality of life by providing detachment from those trials and limitations that inhibit awareness of the present. Whether simple or elaborate, a ceremony creates a rare opportunity to do something wise and compassionate, not only for yourself but for others.

A Chanoyu Vocabulary: Practical Terms for the Way of Tea translated by the Urasenke International Association.
ISBN 978-4-473-03398-7 Paperback.
A long-awaited Japanese-English chanoyu vocabulary, offering easy-to-understand explanations of 1642 terms cutting across a broad range of subjects. This ground-breaking book comprises an English translation of selected and edited entries from the approximately 3,000 appearing in Tankosha's Jitsuyo Chadoyogo Jiten (1993; fifth printing, February 2002), with helpful appendices and illustrations. People of the global community, whether involved particularly in the practice of chanou or generally in the study of Japanese traditional arts and culture, should find this authoritative volume a rare and valuable resource.