Abstract

The life of a flower just about to bloom is captured by the exquisite utensils of a long-established shop.

◆A leading Japanese tea ceremony utensil dealer questions the current state of tea flowers
◆Flowers for the alcove and flowers for everyday life. You'll also learn tips on how to arrange them
◆Exquisite utensils that will make tea ceremony enthusiasts and antique art lovers

Continuing from the mid-Edo period, Tanimatsuya Toda Shoten has been the supplier of utensils to daimyo tea masters such as Matsudaira Fumai and modern tea connoisseurs, and continues to this day. This book features seasonal works in which flowers are arranged using the utensils that Toda Shoten handles, including exquisite utensils that will make enthusiasts drool, as well as those by contemporary artists and primitive art. It proposes not only formal alcove flowers, but also flowers to enjoy in everyday life. It is also full of columns that will be useful when you enjoy flowers yourself, such as how to arrange flowers, how to combine them, and how to handle branches. This is a must-have book for all readers who love the tea ceremony and appreciate flowers.

Author’s Information

Hiroshi Toda was born in Osaka Prefecture in 1949. After studying in the United States for three years, he joined Yayoi Gallery in Tokyo in 1973 and continued his training. In 1976, he joined Tanimatsuya Toda Shoten, where he is currently a director. He is also interested in contemporary art and primitive art, and explores the spirit of tea in the modern age with a broad perspective.

Atsushi Kobayashi was born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1964. After joining a system development company in Osaka, he left after one year. In 1986, he trained for about eight years under Mr. Kyo Inaba, the owner of the Tamahokan hot spring inn in Izu. After becoming independent in Osaka, he joined Tanimatsuya Toda Shoten in 1998 and is currently an employee of the company.