By: Olivia
The tea ceremony is not just about drinking tea and savoring its flavor—it encompasses a long-standing culture and traditional etiquette, making it a profound discipline. The "spirit of symbiosis" in the tea ceremony emphasizes establishing a harmonious coexistence between humans and their environment,JapanDesigner Tokujin Yoshioka has reinterpreted the spirit and essence of the tea ceremony through his work using a modern approach.

Tokujin Yoshioka’s creation, named “Akari-an,” is a fully transparent tea house made of glass that visually blends completely with its surrounding environment. The piece was exhibited at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011 and was officially installed inKyotoat the Ryuuunkaku (Azure Dragon Pavilion) in 2015.

The modern, transparent design creates a subtle yet intriguing contrast with the traditional wooden architecture in the background, harmonizing without clashing.

From outside the tea house, one can also observe its complete structure and witness the tea ceremony taking place inside.

Light refracted through the glass creates a beautiful spectacle—you can even cup a rainbow of seven colors in your hands.

Since 2015, Akari-an has introduced countless people to the culture of the tea ceremony at Ryuuunkaku, and now it continues its journey to more locations to promote the charm of this traditional culture.

Akari-an takes on an even more poetic feel under the setting sun. Now, it embarks on itsJapantour to spread its beauty—see if you can catch a glimpse of it during its journey.
Image source:designboom