Tea is a centuries-old tradition in Japan, and the art of making tea has been refined over the years. The Three Schools of Tea Okakura is a set of tea styles and philosophies that originated from the writings of Okakura Kakuzō in the early 1900s. Kakuzō was a Japanese philosopher who wrote extensively about the history and culture of tea in Japan. His Three Schools of Tea Okakura is still referenced today by tea aficionados and historians alike.

Urasenke: The School of Natural Tea

Urasenke is the oldest of the three schools. It was founded by Sen no Rikyu in the sixteenth century. The school\’s philosophy revolves around the concept of wabi-sabi, which is the idea of finding beauty in the imperfect and impermanent. This philosophy is reflected in the school\’s tea ceremonies, which emphasize simplicity, humility, and an appreciation of nature.

Urasenke tea ceremonies are typically conducted in a tearoom, or cha-shitsu. This is a small, traditional room designed for the purpose of making and enjoying tea. The tearoom is kept simple, with minimal decorations and furnishings. This helps to create a meditative atmosphere where guests can appreciate the beauty of the tea and the ceremony.

Urasenke tea ceremonies are conducted using utensils made of natural materials, such as bamboo, wood, and clay. The tea is brewed in a simple clay teapot, called a tetsubin. The teacups used in the ceremony are known as chawan, and are shallow, bowl-like vessels.

Omotesenke: The School of Formal Tea

Omotesenke was founded by Sen no Sōtan in the seventeenth century. It is a more formal style of tea ceremony than Urasenke, and emphasizes the beauty of ceremony and ritual. The tea is brewed in a more ornate teapot, the kyusu, and the teacups are usually made of porcelain. Guests are expected to adhere to strict rules of etiquette, such as bowing when entering the tearoom and sitting in the correct position.

The ceremonies conducted at Omotesenke are more elaborate and formal than those conducted at Urasenke. The guests are served multiple courses of food and tea, and the proceedings are carefully choreographed. This allows the guests to appreciate the beauty of the ceremony and the attention to detail that goes into its preparation.

Musō Soseki: The School of the Way of Tea

Musō Soseki is the youngest of the three schools, founded by Sōshitsu Sen in the twentieth century. The school\’s philosophy is based on the idea of tea as a spiritual practice, and emphasizes a connection between the tea ceremony and Zen Buddhism. Musō Soseki ceremonies are conducted in a peaceful atmosphere, where guests are encouraged to let go of their worldly concerns and focus on the present moment.

The tearoom used for Musō Soseki ceremonies is usually much larger than those used for the other two schools. It is designed to create an atmosphere of peaceful contemplation, and often features paintings, calligraphy, and other artworks. The tea is prepared in an ornate teapot, the temmoku, and the guests are served a single course of food and tea.

The Three Schools of Tea Okakura is an important part of Japanese culture and history. Each of the schools has its own unique philosophy and style of tea ceremony, and each is a reflection of the culture and values of the time in which it was created. Tea aficionados and historians alike can appreciate the beauty and complexity of these styles of tea, and their relevance to our lives today.