A Transnational Flow of the Art of Tea: The Paradox of Cultural Authenticity in Taiwan

Date

2018

Authors

Zhang, Jinghong

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract

Being regarded as representing authentic Chinese cultural tradition in the eyes of many mainland Chinese, the Taiwanese practice of the art of tea, however, is displayed as an adapted authenticity that integrates multiple sources, including Chinese cultural legacy, Japanese art influences and constant innovations by Taiwanese actors. By conditionally selecting whether to side with Japanese or Chinese culture, a Taiwanese cultural identity through the art of tea is manifested as quests for liberal changes, leisure lifestyle, anti-showy representation and a paradox over commodified practices. This article traces the historical and ongoing transnational cultural flow among China, Taiwan and Japan in the art of tea, and focuses on exploring Taiwanese cultural reconstruction through the development of the art of tea. The author argues that the trajectory of the art of tea intrinsically reflects the paradox of cultural authenticity in Taiwan.

Description

Keywords

Taiwan, China, Art of Tea, Cultural Identity, Authenticity, Paradox

Citation

Source

The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31