Tea Ceremony (Asian Arts and Crafts For Creative Kids) Hardcover – July 15, 2004

Each culture has something really special that other cultures would do well to imitate or make a part of their own. Japan offers us the peace and tranquility of the tea ceremony. A person with an open mind can willingly embrace this momentary oasis to de-clutter and calm their minds. Come, shall we celebrate tea?Because this is an oasis of calm, the tea ceremony is very ritualized and must be respected and followed in every aspect. Four special ideas are the basis of the ceremony: wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (cleanliness) and jaku (tranquility).The guest comes into the receiving room (porch, entryway) where hot water is served to cleanse the palate, then through a passageway (a garden passage with stepping stones) to the "squatting down place" in a serene area of the garden with running water, stones, grasses and a bucket of water to cleanse the hands, into the waiting room (a bench capable of seating all guests) where all is quiet, then into the tearoom itself.Inside, there will be a vase with a simple flower arrangement and a simple artwork, both to be admired for their beauty, then a seating where the host begins the tea ceremony itself with simple, special items.Shozo Sato, author and "interpreter" of cha no yu, or tea ceremony, provides all details and nuances in hosting one. Each chapter is dedicated to a different aspect of cha no yu: types of tea, utensils, setting up the tearoom, starting the ceremony, preparing the tea bowl and whisk, making the tea, and completing the cha no yu.As this is a book written for children, Mr. Sata provides an alternative way when the proper way is not possible. Three things make this a really successful book: suggested adaptations, logical design, and plenty of pictures showing the correct way to do things.Having worked with all ages of children, I can see gifted children of any age embracing this new ritual. I can see gifted teachers of elementary children coaxing their students into embracing cha no yu. As for myself, I plan to host a tea ceremony after spring cleaning.

This book is marketed to kids, but I think it is an excellent step by step guide to the Japanese Tea Ceremony. All the tools and types of teas are also well explained and illustrated. I highly recommend it if you want to experience the beautiful and relaxing "tradition of sharing tea."

I purchased this book in the hopes that it would not only talk about the history of the tea ceremony, but show the steps as well. Far too many books leave out the steps!! This book does both!! It also talks about the various teas used, the preparation needed to make the teas. It also provides suggestions on how to receive the guests. While this book is geared for kids (I'm guessing 5th grade and up) I think adult supervision is necessary. The photographs and explanations are clear and concise, in my opinion. Even the steps on how to fold the cloth for wiping the scoop, is clearly shown.

Excellent book. Takes you step by step. Had to watch a video for the complicated napping maneuver, but it's hard to describe in pictures. Wished the book came with a link to a good video, perhaps made by the author so that they match the steps.

This introduces you to the tea ceremony and that's what I wanted. for more in depth coverage of the topic look elsewhere.

I bought the book either for school or as a reference. Its good. I can't believe they require a minimum amount of words. Crazy. They want an opinion and then ask for so many words. What are they nuts!

Bought this to introduce Tea to my international friends. Quite good, but you won't be able to do a ceremony by just reading this book. It is a good book to get an idea of it.

Lots of information but less exciting visuals than I was expecting.

An excellent starter book. All the basic terms are clearly explained and the spirit of the tea ceremony is explained with examples from every day events. A basic tray tea ceremony is described step by step enabling anyone to enjoy the tranquillity that making tea provides. For someone interested in the tea ceremony, young or old , this book is an excellent place to start . It provides the basics in an enjoyable way without bamboozling the beginner.

Not only for children. Simple and to much for star.

Bellissimo libro che seppur indirizzato ai bambini consiglio anche chi inizia la pratica del cha no yu, avendo foto passo per passo della cerimonia base.

Very useful for an overview of the Tea Ceremony, with enough comprehensive detail to explain the basics to adults.