SOKO TAKECHI & SOKYO TISCORNIA

Tea Times March & April 2000

 

CHANOYU CLASSES (Tea Ceremony)

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 Email us to make arrangements to visit a class and have a bowl of tea.

 

WAGASHI CLASS (sweet making)

DATE - Friday, March 10, 2000

TIME - 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

FEE - $30

This traditional wagashi, Japan-ese sweet making, class will feature sakuramochi and kinton.

Sakuramochi is a traditional sweet served during the spring Doll Festival and the cherry blossom viewing season. We will prepare the Kansai (Kyoto) style sweet using cooked sweet rice grains that are wrapped around sweet bean paste. It is finished by wrapping the sweet in a fragrant pickled cherry leaf.

Kinton is a Chanoyu sweet that uses sweet bean paste. The bean paste is pressed through a sieve and the strands are piled up using thin chop sticks to form the sweet. Kinton can be made in various colors reflecting the harmony of the season. During this class we will make nanohanakinton representing the rape blossoms that are in bloom.

This class will be hands-on and tea will be served at the end of the class. Easy to follow recipes will also be provided.

 

RIKYU MEMORIAL TEA

DATE - Tuesday, March 28, 2000

TIME - 7 p.m.

FEE - $25

This annual memorial tea will honor Sen Rikyu (1522-1591), the founder of the three Sen schools of Chanoyu including Urasenke. Wabicha, the style of tea that reflects a simple and quiet taste, is the contribution that Rikyu is most remembered for. Various utensils that reflect his unique style and taste will be featured at this tea. Guests will offer flowers in Rikyu's memory. Incense will also be offered and all of the guests will be able to share in the enjoyment of the incense ceremony. Traditional sweets and koicha, thick tea, will be served.

 

HANAMI TENSHIN CHAKAI (Flower Viewing Tea)

DATE – Saturday, April 1, 2000

TIME – 2 p.m.

FEE - $50

Hanami, the season to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, will be celebrated at this tea. It is one of the most beautiful times of the year and this seasonal beauty will be reflected in the utensils and ingredients used. In Japan, people enjoy outdoor gatherings under the flowering cherry trees.

Traditional seasonal sweets, tea and a tenshin style kaiseki meal will be served. This event will be of interest to anyone wanting to enjoy Japanese culture through Chanoyu. No prior experience is necessary.

 

KOHDO & CHANOYU (incense and tea)

DATE – Friday, April 21, 2000

TIME - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

FEE - $30

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 censer using the various traditional incense utensils. Participants will enjoy kyara, the best of the aged aloes wood incense. Participants 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.

 

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.

Kimika Takechi & Larry Tiscornia

back

home