I find it interesting how it seems that so much of the Japanese culture revolves around building and putting things together. The samurai puts together the sword and the tea master puts together the tea (and then coupling it with next week's idea of recreating the Ise Temple every 20 years). 

I have attended some tea ceremonies in Japan and in the US, and I am always reminded of how structured it is. I really enjoyed learning about the origins of the tea ceremony more and how it was a way for elites to show off their wealth and status, while socializing and sipping tea. In the discussion we touched on how Japanese aesthetics can sometimes look plain, but even a plain tea bowl or macha container could be worth an astounding amount of money. I associate this time period as one where Japan turned inward and spent a lot of time and effort on elevating art and crafts within Japan. I did learn that this practice was used by samurai, who were prominent in society at this time, but were not really required to go off and fight with anyone, therefore they can stay at home and commission items for tea ceremonies and to decorate their homes. 

I have some students each year for our research project select tea ceremonies in Japan. I now have some new resources to give these students in their research! Thank you!

Have you experience a Japanese tea ceremony? If so, what were your impressions of the ceremony?