Tea Times May & June 2002
We conduct ongoing weekly classes in the Urasenke tradition of Chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, from beginner to advanced levels. Classes are open to anyone who desires to learn more about this peaceful Japanese art. Events and classes are held in San Francisco.
Please Email us to make arrangements to visit a class and have a bowl of tea.
DATE – Friday, May 10, 2002
TIME - 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
FEE - $30
This workshop will feature incense as it is enjoyed in the tearoom. There will be a discussion of the Chanoyu gathering and a demonstration of how to prepare a censor using the various traditional incense utensils. Participants will enjoy 2 varieties of kyara, the best of the aged aloes wood incense. They will also have a chance to write a seasonal poem related to the incense. Traditional sweets and tea will also be served at the conclusion of the workshop.
DATE - Saturday, May 18, 2002
TIME - 3 p.m.
FEE - $70
Shoburo, the opening of the brazier to begin the summer season, will be celebrated during this traditional Chanoyu event. The brazier is opened on May 1, in the Urasenke tradition of tea. This tea will bring forth the many seasonal changes with the selection of utensils, poetic images and seasonal ingredients.
Traditional seasonal sweets, tea and a tenshin style kaiseki meal will be served. This event is open to anyone wishing to enjoy Japanese culture through Chanoyu, the tea ceremony.
DATE - Wednesday, May 29, 2002
Chabana, the art of flower arranging for Chanoyu, will be the focus of this hands-on workshop. Chabana has deep roots in the more stylized Ikebana arrangements. This simpler style was used in the tearoom by early tea masters when they invited guests for tea.
This workshop will include a discussion of the principles of chabana as well as an overview of the various styles of vases and baskets that can be used. Summer flowers will be featured during this workshop. Participants will enjoy guided practice in making seasonal arrangements. Sweets and tea will be served at the conclusion of the workshop.
DATE - Wednesday, June 5, 2002
This traditional wagashi, Japan-ese sweet making, class will feature summer sweets. Included will be minazuki and sasamaki. Minazuki, the poetic name for June meaning "Rainless Month," is a sweet made from rice flour that is steamed. It is cut into triangles and topped with sweet adzuki beans. Tradition is that eating this sweet will protect one from evil and bring relief from the intense summer heat. Sasamaki, bamboo leaf wrapped kuzu (kudzu) dumplings bring a refreshing relief from the humid summer weather.
This class will include both demonstration and hands-on practice. The freshly made sweets and tea will be served at the end of the class. Easy to follow recipes will also be provided. No prior experience is necessary.
DATE - Friday, June 14, 2002
TIME - 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
FEE - $50
Shogo chaji, the noon tea gathering during the summer months in the Urasenke tradition of tea, will be explored during this workshop. The theme will be shoburo, the opening of the brazier for the summer season in tea. This workshop will include the laying of the charcoal fire, traditional sweets and both thick and thin tea. (The serving and eating of the kaiseki meal will not be included.)
This workshop is open to anyone who enjoys tea. No prior experience is necessary. Those participants who have not studied Urasenke tea for at least 1 year will be in the guest position during this workshop.
Please Email teatimes@chanoyu.com, for more information or to make reservations. Advance payment by mail will confirm your email reservations. As space is limited, cancellations must be made not later than 5-days before each event to receive a refund. Thank you.
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