Tea utensils and tea rooms reveal their true essence only when they are actually used. For example, a tea bowl displayed behind glass in a museum is merely an object to be “viewed,” whereas its original purpose lies in being engaged with̶ through all five senses̶within the unique setting of the tearoom. The concept of “fine art” was introduced to Japan after the Meiji period, yet in Japan, art and craftsmanship have long been inseparable. Rooted in the cultural context of “tea,” which is deeply connected to Zen, they have undergone a unique evolution unlike any found elsewhere.
The creative aesthetic of Sen no Rikyūʼs mitate (recontextualization) possesses an innovativeness comparable to contemporary art, and the forms and designs of Momoyama periodʼs tea bowls exhibit a dynamic quality reminiscent of modern abstract art. Rikyū-style tea utensils also boast a timeless design that remains relevant today. On the other hand, the superb craftsmanship and high-quality materials found in antique tea utensils are already difficult to replicate in the present day̶one might even call them lost techniques. Despite the tremendous value inherent in such objects, contemporary visual art tends to dominate public attention, leaving antique tea utensils and tearooms unused and detached from their original context̶an issue that cannot be overlooked.
This foundation has been established with the aim of reexamining Japanʼs aesthetic sensibilities and restoring tea utensils to their original cultural context, while broadly communicating the aesthetic value of “Art of Tea” both domestically and internationally. Specifically, we will host tea gatherings that allow participants to experience first-rate tea utensils firsthand, and organize exhibitions that introduce Art of Tea from fresh perspectives in Japan and abroad. We also seek to promote exchange with international curators and art professionals. Through these activities, we hope to provide aesthetic guidance and opportunities for study to emerging tea connoisseurs and collectors in Japan, while serving as a cultural interface that fosters international understanding and goodwill. Moreover, the Foundation will acquire important tea utensils that are at risk of dispersal, thereby building and preserving a coherent collection for future generations. We also intend to pursue publishing initiatives proactively for example, by producing bilingual Japanese‒English editions of books and valuable archival materials on Japanese ceramics that until now have been available only in Japanese. Furthermore, by supporting the preservation and restoration of tearooms, gardens, and related facilities, we aspire to contribute to maintaining tea utensils and tearooms as “living cultural assets,” thereby helping to preserve and transmit the value of Japanʼs exceptional Art of Tea.
November, 2025
