07/27/2021
Among the early treasures of chanoyu were the chaire brought over from China. Simply called karamono, their known history begins in Japan. This lecture will be an examination of their stories and visual qualities.
This Zoom lecture will take place on July 28 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
Please email [email protected] to register. The lecture is $10 for Foundation members, $15 for general registration, with additional donations gratefully received.
12/04/2020
Long esteemed for their dazzling beauty, tenmoku teabowls have been objects of great historic, economic, and aesthetic power. Learn more on December 15 at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
To register for this Zoom lecture, please email [email protected]. The lecture is $10 for Foundation members, $15 for general.
09/25/2020
The early Seto kilns were sometimes known as Chaire gama, or the Chaire Kilns, due to the superlative chaire that came from this area. On September 30, Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, we will take a brief look at the history and characteristics of Seto chaire.
To register, please email [email protected]. The lecture is $10 for Foundation members, $15 for general.
See if you can identify this most beloved of Kobori Enshu's chaire.
09/04/2020
An essay by Sen Tomiko, Daisosho sama's late wife, reprinted from the Foundation's Wakamatsu newsletter. As we rest over this Labor Day weekend, reading her reflections on dedication to one's vocation will offer deep insights into the mind of a tea person.
Essays on Tea: Warm Topics for Hot Days
Sen Sosh*tsu XVI, Zabosai Oiemoto: Reflections on the Occasion of the Urasenke San Francisco Joint Anniversary, April 2012
08/07/2020
The tea ceramics lecture on Hagi ware was a resounding success, attended by over 100 people. Beautiful photos of historical through modern pieces illuminated the breadth and inventiveness of Hagi ware.
07/08/2020
一楽 二萩 三唐津 Ichi Raku, Ni Hagi, San Karatsu
Zoom Lecture Series July 15, August 5, August 26
From the time of Rikyu, a valuation of koicha teabowls has been posited as first Raku, second Hagi, third Karatsu.
The lecture series will begin July 15, 6 p.m. PDT, with a look at the history and work of the Raku family and other makers of raku ware.
RSVP via email to [email protected] so that we can send you the Zoom link. Suggested donation of $5/lecture for Foundation members, $15/lecture for non-members. We are working on setting up an online payment method but for now, checks are accepted.
04/20/2020
Thinking of Hounsai Daisosho sama's recently celebrated birthday.
The scroll is a collaboration between Daisosho sama and Kajiura Itsugai roshi.
鵬雲斎大宗匠筆 & 梶浦逸外老師筆
「行雲流水露衣風心」 Koun ryusui roi fushin
Moving clouds, flowing water, robes of dew, heart of the wind
Accompanying the scroll is a Tamagasumi camellia in a sahari tsurukubi hanaire.
Time seems to move as mysteriously as water.
06/19/2019
Exciting event coming up in Helsinki this October!
There will be a Midorikai alumni seki: please email [email protected] if you are interested in participating.
NEW DETAILS: DAISOSHO-SPONSORED EVENT IN FINLAND
Finland Tankokai and UMAA chakai at celebrations
On Friday, October 11, in downtown Helsinki, the Japan–Finland 100 Years of Friendship Celebration will begin with public activities including an Offering of Tea for Peace by Daisosho sama, a lecture by Daisosho sama, and other commemorative events.
On Saturday, October 12, activities will move to World Heritage site Suomenlinna Island to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Kansai Japan–Finland Society. The Urasenke Tankokai Finland Association will host a series of chakai in the Tokuyuan tearoom.
Nearby on the island the Urasenke Midorikai Alumni Association [UMAA] has been honored to be asked to host an usucha chakai. Daisosho sama is looking forward to greeting around 30 Midorikai alumni at this event. It is expected that 100–150 guests will be welcomed this day.
We are asking that all alumni who would like to participate on the host side in this chakai contact UMAA. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in participating.
More detailed information about the event may be found at www.midorikai.org
Remember! There are only 3 months before the chakai, and we need to start planning. We welcome suggestions about a theme for the chakai, photos of utensils, and ideas for okashi.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration to attend the event is separate from responding to this request. As details about registration and fees become available, we will post that information.