Japanische Teezeremonie I

The Japanese tea ceremony (Jap. 茶道 sadō) is a ritual which has an affinity with Zen philosophy. The host or hostess invites guests to tea that is prepared in a strictly ordered sequence. The aim of the ceremony is to withdraw from daily life. Harmony, respect, simplicity and tranquillity should be attained.

The author Christoph Peters has held an interest for over 30 years in tea and ceramics. In his book “This Wonderful Bitterness” he writes about the fascination of the Japanese custom. He practises the original Japanese tea ceremony and owns an exquisite collection of Japanese tea bowls. The chawans, from which matcha green tea is drunk, are not only a drinking vessel, but an object of meditation, being both a sacred object and artwork.

Christoph Peters hosts a tea ceremony in the State Gallery of Lower Austria (ceremony only, no tasting). The ritual is performed twice consecutively. Before both tea ceremonies, Christoph Peters discusses with Judith Hoffmann the history of the ancient tradition as a ritual of mindfulness.

*** BIOGRAPHIE ***

Christoph Peters
b. 1966. Writer and artist. Numerous novels and short stories and his work has earned many accolades, including the Wolfgang Koeppen Prize and most recently the Schubart Literature Prize 2025. Recently published: “Death in the City Centre” (Innerstädtischer Tod), Luchterhand 2024.