Tea Times June & July 2001
Chanoyu has been referred to as the "Japanese Tea Ceremony" for many years but the word literally means hot water for tea. The simple art of Chanoyu is a synthesis of many traditional Japanese arts including Zen.
We conduct ongoing weekly classes in the Urasenke tradition of Chanoyu from beginner to advanced levels. Classes are open to anyone who desires to learn more about this peaceful Japanese art.
Please telephone or Email us to make arrangements to visit a class and have a bowl of tea.
DATE - Friday, June 15, 2001
TIME - 7 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
FEE - $30
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 – Friday, June 29, 2001
TIME - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This workshop will feature incense as it is enjoyed in the tearoom. In addition to the various seasonal changes, including the use of kneaded incense during the winter and sandalwood during the summer, the censor is also used during special presentations.
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. No prior experience is necessary. Traditional sweets and tea will also be served at the conclusion of the workshop.
DATE - Saturday July 7, 2001
TIME - 4 p.m.
FEE - $50
The theme of the tea will be tanabata, the star festival, an ancient Chinese legend that has been celebrated in Japan from the 8th century. The legend centers around two stars, Vega, the weaver maid and Altair, the herdsman. The heavenly king allowed the two lovers to meet once a year on the 7th night of the 7th moon. They would meet on a bridge formed by the outstretched wings of heavenly magpies, but only if it were a clear night. If not they were forced to wait another year.
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. No prior experience is necessary.
DATE - Wednesday, July 11, 2001
TIME - 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
This traditional wagashi, Japanese sweet making, class will feature summer sweets. Included will be kuzuyaki and kingyokukan. Kuzuyaki is made by steaming a mixture of kuzu (kudzu starch) and sweet bean paste. After it cools it is cut into individual portions, coated with potato starch and grilled. Kingyokukan is usually served chilled and is made using kanten (agar agar) as the gelling medium. Various flavorings and colors can be added to bring a seasonal feeling to the finished sweet.
This class will include both demonstration and some 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.
Please Email teatimes@chanoyu.com, for more information or to make reservations. Advance payment by mail will confirm your telephone 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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