THE LITTLE TEA BOOK 



For these occasions the host se- 

 lects a tea-house located in well-laid- 

 out grounds and commanding a fine 

 view. In this he lays mats equal to 

 the number of guests. By sliding the 

 partition and removing the front wall 

 the place is transformed into an open 

 hall overlooking the landscape. The 

 room is filled with choice flowers, and 

 the art treasures of the host, which 

 at other times are stored away in the 

 fire-proof vault " go down " of his 

 private residence, contribute artistic 

 beauty and decoration to the scene. 

 Folding screens and hanging pictures 

 painted by celebrated artists, costly 

 lacquer- ware, bronze, china, and other 

 heirlooms are tastefully distributed 

 about the room. 



Stories told at these tea-parties are 

 called by the Japanese names of Chd- 



56 



