It's All About Tea — cha xi

Japanese philosophy offers a unique way of perceiving beauty that is characterized by subtlety, depth, and thoughtful simplicity. This perception emphasizes feelings that arise from nuanced encounters rather than direct statements or elaborate displays. In Japanese tradition, beauty is rarely just about visual appeal; it's rather a quiet invitation for reflection where beauty reveals itself not by overwhelming the senses but by inviting awareness. These concepts are deeply reflected in the mindful appreciation of Gong Fu Cha, the refined elegance of Senchado, and the contemplative intimacy of Cha No Yu.

Although our journey will often touch upon tea culture, the ideas we'll explore are not limited to tea alone. They reflect broader sensibilities in art, design, and daily life. Whether you are arranging a tea space, admiring the thoughtful emptiness of a tearoom, or appreciating the quiet beauty of natural materials, these principles can guide us toward deeper awareness and richer experiences.

Let's explore how the concepts that shape the Japanese perception of beauty can elevate our tea practice and teach us to appreciate life's quiet moments. (Read more)

In our previous blog post we went through the history of the Cha Xi, or the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail.

Now, we'll get practical by going through the nine essential elements for you to create your perfect tea space. (Read More)

In this blog post, we're touching on an important part of the whole tea experience: Cha Xi, or Tea Space. Setting up a harmonized space is a vital element in experiencing tea. It also helps us reach a calm, meditative state, where we are able to appreciate the moment and enjoy living in the present.

We'll talk about the history of the Tea Space ("Tea Mat") and the ancient's pursuit of the beauty hidden in detail. We'll then review its essential elements and how to use them to arrange our tea space. So, grab a cup, and let's take our tea experience to the next level! (Read More)

Have you ever heard about Chabana before? It’s similar to Ikebana — Japanese flower arrangement. However, Chabana (茶花) is a flower arrangement explicitly done for tea ceremonies. Cha meaning tea, and bana meaning flower in Japanese. (Read more)

Chashitsu is the Japanese term for a tea room. It is a little hut, resembling a house, where Japanese tea ceremonies (chanoyu) would take place. Following tradition, matcha green tea is always served in the chashitsu, alongside with some simple sweets prepared by the tea master. It is said that chashitsu started appearing during the Sengoku period (mid-15th century to early 17th century). Before then, tea was commonly enjoyed in separate rooms and not in individual tea huts. (Read more)