The Glocal Book:"The Book of Tea" by Okakura Kakuzou(Tenshin)-No.89

Mistake of Confusing Art with Archaeology

「Another common mistake is that of confusing art with archaeology.

The veneration born of antiquity is one of the best traits in the human character, and fain would we have it cultivated to a greater extent.

The old masters are rightly to be honoured for opening the path to future enlightment.

The mere fact that have passed unscathed through centuries of criticism and come down to us still covered with glory commands our respect.

But we should be foolish indeed if we valued their achievement simply on the score of age.

Yet we allow our historical sympathy to override our aesthetic discrimination.

We offers flowers of approbation when the artist is laid in his grave.」
(From the Book of Tea, pp.85-86,Charles E. Tuttle Co., Rutland, Vermont-Tokyo, Japan)

The facts of confusing art with archaeolog might be more common at the present day.

We must sincerely listen to what he mentioned.

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Picture: Kayokukan by Katashi Oyama
Image Designer: Izumi Mori