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

Jinghong Zhang

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    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.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1-18
    JournalThe Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology
    Volume19
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2018

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