Some time ago I began a project to photograph the traditional aspects of Japan. I kicked the whole thing off with Japanese tea ceremony and a few photographs of women who practice the craft.

Over time, I have come to be well acquainted with these women as well as a larger group of people who practice tea ceremony. In addition to referrals, more work…

Earlier in the year, in continuing with an ongoing series of portraits focused on the traditions and crafts of Japan, I spent a day with a few women who practice the art of Japanese tea ceremony and worked with them to create various photographs.

Japanese tea ceremony, known as sadō (茶道), or the Way of Tea, is essentially the ritualized act of preparing and offering green tea. It may not sound like much at first blush, but it is actually something quite interesting to witness and take part in. Every movement and every action in sadō is carefully choreographed, everything from the entrance and exit of the tea master, to the selection of sweets and the mixing of the green tea powder (matcha) into carefully heated water.