Tea Times May, June & July 2009
We teach ongoing weekly classes in the Urasenke tradition of Chanoyu from beginner to advanced levels. If you would like to experience Chanoyu first hand, and have a lesson on being a guest, we have scheduled 3 dates. Please email or telephone for reservations. Monday's May 25, June 22 or July 13 at 4:00p.m. or 7:30p.m. No prior experience is necessary and the class fee is $20. Please Email us to make a reservation or for more information about these special classes.
Kimika, Larry and their students will host a tea celebrating tango no sekku, the Boys' Day Festival, at the NichibeikaiKansoan tearoom, 1759 Sutter St., S.F. The festival dates from the Heian period and is celebrated in Japan on May 5. It is also called shobu no sekku, the Iris Festival as well as the Children's Day Festival. This tea is open to anyone who enjoys Japanese culture and wants to experience a traditional tea gathering.
This workshop will include a demonstration of the basic points in creating the nimonji oshikiri ash formation. There will also be a discussion of the various styles of haigata used at the Urasenke School of Tea. Participants are encouraged to bring their own brazier for guided practice. Sweets and tea will be served.
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. Participants will enjoy guided practice in making arrangements. Sweets and tea will be served at the end of the workshop.
Gion Matsuri, one of the three major Kyoto festivals, will be celebrated during this tea gathering. The festival originated in the 9th century when a plague struck Kyoto. To help rid the city of the disease and to bring renewed spirit and health this grand festival was held. Traditional seasonal sweets, tea and a tenshin style kaiseki meal will be served. No prior experience is necessary.
These special workshops will introduce first time participants to the Zen choreography in making a bowl of tea. Participants will have guided practice in all of the steps necessary to prepare a tasty bowl of matcha, powdered green tea, with an open mind and pure heart. This workshop will be a good introduction for those who wish to further pursue their study of Chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony.
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