Tea isn’t just a beverage; in many Asian cultures, it’s a cherished art form deeply woven into daily life. Nowhere is this truer than in Japan, where tea has been part of the nation’s traditions and hospitality since the 1100s.

The Japanese tea ceremony, in particular, is a solemn and beautiful ritual — far from casual teatime. In these ceremonies, hosts serve carefully prepared matcha using specialized Japanese teaware. And yes, a Japanese tea set is far more intricate than it might first appear. Continue reading What are Traditional Japanese Tea Sets? →