The Book of Tea

"The Book of Tea" (1906) by Okakura Kakuzo ,is a long essay linking the role of tea (Teaism) to the aesthetic and cultural aspects of Japanese life. In his book, he discusses such topics as Zen and Taoism, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life. The book emphasizes how Teaism taught the Japanese many things; most importantly, simplicity. Okakura Kakuzo (February 14, 1862 – September 2, 1913) was a Japanese scholar who contributed to the development of arts in Japan.