Tea ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony, also called the Way of Tea, is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.
This is an elaborate ritual that brings together the four principles of respect, harmony, purity and tranquility.
Yesterday afternoon we went to a tea ceremony in the Forteguerriana library here in Pistoia. I took some pictures.
Japanese culture is absolutely amazing and interesting.
 
  
    The host boils the water, and then mixes the powdered tea in the water with a bamboo whisk. The tea is served in a small round cup called a chawan. Each guest bows when they receive their cup.
This chasen, or whisk, is made from a single piece of bamboo. The tulip shape helps to add oxygen to the tea as it is whisked. This is an essential tool to have in order to achieve a smooth, well blended matcha.