This book is unique -- a collection of the most modern Japanese chashitsu [tea-ceremony rooms]. The tea ceremony was established in Japan in the fifteenth century when it became an essential part of culture for the Japanese elite, and in particular for the samurai. Traditionally chashitsu are made up of certain elements -- an entrance for the host [sadouguchi], an entrance for the guests [nijiriguchi], tatami mats for the floor, a sunken hearth [ro] for heating the tea, and an alcove [tokonoma] with a flower and painted scroll -- they never contain furniture and are used for contemplation.

This book is unique -- a collection of the most modern Japanese chashitsu [tea-ceremony rooms]. The tea ceremony was established in Japan in the fifteenth century when it became an essential part of culture for the Japanese elite, and in particular for the samurai. Traditionally chashitsu are made up of certain elements -- an entrance for the host [sadouguchi], an entrance for the guests [nijiriguchi], tatami mats for the floor, a sunken hearth [ro] for heating the tea, and an alcove [tokonoma] with a flower and painted scroll -- they never contain furniture and are used for contemplation.

Since the 1990s Japanese architects and designers have been reinterpreting the chashitsu, creating modern meditative spaces. Their efforts represent some of the most interesting and innovative contemporary interior design and architecture in the world, featuring a vast array of materials, including paper, wood, plastic, stone, atuminium, glass, and concrete.

A fascinating introduction explains the history of the tea ceremony, the function of the various elements of the teaceremony room, and the ritual of the ceremony itself. There is also a useful glossary and plan. Next comes a look at recent architectural projects that interpret the tea-ceremony room in vastly different ways, from a treehouse in the countryside in Nagano to a portable example in metal. The work features thirty-seven projects by a range of wellknown Japanese architects and designers, including Kengo Kuma, Kisho Kurokawa, Terunobu Fujimori, Arata Isozaki, Takashi Sugimoto, and Shigeru Uchida.

Introduction

Tea-ceremony room plan

GLossary

New Traditionat

Choshoan, Tokyo

Aura Chaya, Nara

Seifuan, Tokyo

Sannocho-no-ie, Hyogo

Yokoo-tei, Saitama

Fujiidera-no-ie, Osaka

Tampopo House, Tokyo

Zekuan, Tokyo

Sara, Tokyo

Shimakin, Tokyo

Modern Materiats

Kumon, Tokyo

Ouan

Heisei-no-nijoudaime, Saitama

Cha Ginza, Tokyo

Shunju, Tokyo

Stone Plaza, Tochigi

Ichijuan, Fukuoka

Niki Club, Tochigi

Ujian, Tokyo

Garden Settings

Tetsu-no-chashitsu, Osaka

Jurinji-no-ie, Nara

Step House, Kanagawa

Yuishikian, Tokyo

Mihara-no-ie, Osaka

Minamiazabu-no-ie, Tokyo

Ryogo-tei, Osaka

Gallery-no-ie, Nara

Contemporary

Interpretations

Souan, Yamagata

Sankio

Kuan, Kyotc

Koya, Chiba

Klan, Okinawa

M House, Tokyo

Sakuragaoka-no-ie, Tokyo

Fujimian, Yamanashi

Takasugian, Nagano

Niiou

Acknowledgements