Mizuya no Kokoroe Workshop
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Dougu no Toriawase
“knowledge of combining utensils”
On Sunday, October 9th two workshops were held at the Center sponsored by our non-profit entity the Tea Ceremony Society. Yoshihiro Terazono discussed the theory and practice of how to develop a theme of Chakai, and coordinate Jiku, flowers, tea utensils and sweets accordingly. The tone of the theme was set by the choice of the scroll in the tokonomo by Tantansai, "Lying in the Mist". The remaining implements were chosen to reflect the the overall theme. The two sessions began with a lecture on the reasons for the choices and also on which type of dougu that would be appropriate to use together in the same temae. The preparation of the charcoal was next and students were able to observe the process up close. This was followed by an intermission during which the room was reset for serving usucha (thin tea) emphasizing candle light and a feeling of a twilight temae. When the students returned, sweets and tea were served, while continuing the lecture process. Mr. Terazono exhorted the students to ask questions given that this was a lecture and not a formal chakai. The event was successful in raising money for the Tea Ceremony Society. Both sessions were sold out and approximately twenty five per cent of the Tea Ceremony Society members attended.
Mizuya Workshop
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Yoshihiro Terazono conducted a workshop at the Center on the preparation for tearoom events. Some of the topics discussed was the proper way to handle the scroll in the tokonoma from opening the box, hanging it the proper area, taking it down in front of the guest and returning to the box. Preparation of the ash in the furo was addressed, as well as, choosing the appropriate flower container (hanarie) and placement in the tokonoma. It was discussed how these components must be in harmony with one another to create a theme for the temae.
Thirty-two students attended the two afternoon workshops.
Open House Benefit for Japan
Earthquake and Tsunami Relief
Sunday, May 22nd
The Urasenke Chanoyu Center held Open House Benefit for Earthquake Relief on Sunday, May twenty second. Over 80 guests attended the event. Three thousand and fifty five dollars were raised from participants and others that wanted to participate in the event by making a donation. All the proceeds were donated to the Japan Society’s Earthquake Relief Fund on Wednesday, May 25th.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the volunteers because without your support and help; we would have been unable to stage the event. It is a distinct honor that we can be a part of Relief Fund activities.
Dr. Genshitsu Sen was born in Kyoto on April 19, 1923, the first son of the 14th generation Urasenke grand master (iemoto), Mugensai. He served as the Urasenke grand master for thirty-eight years, up to the end of 2002, when he transferred the iemoto position and the hereditary name Soshitsu that goes with it to his elder son. In September 2010. he came to New York in celebration of the 60th year anniversary since he first went abroad from Japan promoting the Urasenke tradition throughout the world. Click here for photos from some of the events that Daisosho presided over during his stay.
Chabana Lecture & Demonstration
Sunday June 27, 2010
The Chabana Lecture/Demonstration was composed of two parts. In the first part, the lecture, Terazono sensei discussed chabana with an overview of appropriate flowers and containers according to month and season of the year. He also discussed the levels of formality and appropriate corresponding implements.
In the second part Terazono sensei assisted attendees in applying the principles discussed in the lecture. Thirty students attended the two sessions of the lecture/demonstration. The workshops were a successful fund raising event for the Tea Ceremony Society and the funds will be used to complete the roji restoration. We would lke to thank the following volunteers who contributed to making the event a success: Tomoko Urabe, Vincent Lynch, Hishashi Miyao, Mayumi Takeshit,Yumi Wako and Judith Krall-Russo.
Below are some pictures of the event and the arrangements of the attendees. Students who attended can go to the "Student" area of our site and download a high resolution PDF file of all the arrangements for printing purposes.
