Such a beautiful book! First published in 1906, The Book of Tea is a long essay linking the role of "Chadō" (teaism) to the aesthetic and cultural aspects of Japanese life. In this work, Okakura Kabuza discusses Zen and Taosim, but also the secular aspects of tea and Japanese life, emphasizing the significance of Teaism in teaching important things, including simplicity. "It (Teaism) inculcates purity and harmony, the mystery of mutual charity, the romanticism of the social order...It is essentially a worship of the Imperfect, as it is a tender attempt to accomplish something possible in this impossible thing we know as life."

Beautifully bound and printed in Japan, the hardcover book features Illustrations taken from artwork of Japanese painter Sesshu (1420-1506) and comes in a matching slipcase--really lovely packaging in perfect harmony with the content of the book itself.

The book measures 7 7/8" x 5" wide x 1" deep. It is in very good vintage condition, with some sun fading and a little wear to bottom/bottom corner of the slipcase.