Images

The Seven Lucky Gods (aka Shichifukujin) of Japanese folklore on their treasure ship or takarabune. By Hiroshige (1797-1858 CE). Woodblock print, c. 1840 CE. (Victoria & Albert Museum, London)

Matcha, the powdered green tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

The essential implements of the chanoyu or Japanese tea ceremony.

A traditional Japanese tea room with tatami matting, caligraphy hanging scroll and a single vase of flowers. The hearth is set into the floor on the left.

A traditional bamboo whisk (chasen) and bowl (chawan) used in the Japanese tea ceremony.

A bowl of whisked green tea (matcha), typical of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

A hishaku (bamboo ladle) and chawan (bowl) used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Before mixing the tea the bowl is rinsed with fresh water.

A portrait by Hasegawa Tôhaku of the celebrated tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591 CE) who is credited with creating the established procedures for the Japanese tea ceremony.

The pond garden of Ryoanji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1473 CE.

A detail of the Zen rock garden of Ryoanji temple, Kyoto, Japan. The garden dates to c. 1500 CE but the exact significance of its 15 stones is unknown except that they are designed to promote meditation.