Tea Times Sept., Oct. & Nov. 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 either Monday, Sept. 21, Oct. 19 or Nov. 30 at 4p.m. or 7:30p.m. Fee $20. Please Email us to make a reservation or for more information about these special classes.
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.
This workshop will feature incense as it is enjoyed in the tearoom. There will be 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.
October is the final month of the summer season in tea. As we transition to the opening of the hearth in November, it is a time to gather with friends and reflect on the past while sharing tea. This nostalgic gathering is the essence of Wabi tea. Utensils used during this special time will be used during the tea. Traditional seasonal sweets, tea and a tenshin style kaiseki meal will be served. No prior experience is necessary.
Please call the Japanese Cultural Community Center in SF (415-567-5505) for more information and to make reservations. You can also view the class announcements on their web site: 9/12 Kaiseki class 10/10 Wagashi class
The shogo chaji, or noon tea gathering, is the ultimate chance to experience the full Japanese tea ceremony. The theme of the tea will be robiraki, the opening of the hearth that begins the winter season in tea. In olden times it was done on an auspicious day, usually a wild boar day as the boar is thought to be a protector from fire. This chaji will include the full kaiseki meal, the charcoal ceremony, traditional wagashi sweets and both koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea). Utensils reflecting the season will be used. 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.
* 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.
back
home