Art Appreciation and Individuality

True art appreciation requires personal sympathy and humility before the masterpiece, rejecting mere fashion or cost; the tea-masters valued objects that spoke to them individually rather than catering to popular taste.

Each preparation of tea has its individuality, and the tearoom is described as an oasis for meeting at the common spring of art-appreciation.

The chapter emphasizes that true art appreciation is deeply personal and individual, as illustrated by the contrast between Rikiu's unique taste and Kobori-Enshiu's more conventional collection.