Ceremonial Tea Sessions on Tuesdays: Urasenke Tea Ritual Temporary Setup

Discover the rich heritage of the Urasenke tea ceremony and Japanese carpentry as they come together in a captivating exhibition at our Gallery.

The Urasenke tea ceremony, one of the main schools descending from Sen no Rikyu's teachings, is renowned for its distinctive approach to aesthetics, including the way matcha is whisked, the rotation of tea bowls, and an emphasis on visual balance in presentation. This centuries-old practice embodies harmony, respect, purity, tranquility, and hospitality, reflecting Zen-inspired simplicity and spirituality.

The program for the tea ceremony includes an introduction, demonstration, tasting, and Q&A session, providing guests with a unique opportunity to immerse in the Way of Tea (Chadō or Sadō). On select Tuesday afternoons in January, a "pop-up" tea ceremony will be held within the gallery, led by experts from the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association.

The exhibition also celebrates the enduring legacy of Japanese carpenters and their holistic relationship with the environment. Known as Daiku, these skilled craftsmen honor nature by sourcing wood harmoniously with the forest. Despite limited metal ore resources, Japanese craftsmen innovated world-class carpentry tools and joinery techniques, as showcased in the exhibition's display of carpenter's tools and indispensable joinery techniques.

The Sa-an Teahouse, originally designed in the late 16th century by Sen no Rikyu, is a highlight of the "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit" exhibition, which runs from 11.20.2024 to 01.22.2025. The tea ceremony embodies Japanese philosophical and artistic principles, creating a meditative space of hospitality and mindfulness.

Visitors can sample and savor tea elevated to an art form during the tea ceremony, making this exhibition a must-visit for tea enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. The exhibition is free for visitors, and the tea ceremony takes place at our website Gallery, Level 2.

The Sa-an Teahouse is part of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or chadō, a centuries-old practice that transcends the simple act of serving tea. The exhibition hours are Mon. - Fri. from 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM and Sat. - Sun. from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, allowing visitors to experience the tea ceremony and Japanese carpentry at their convenience.

The tea ceremony's significance has grown through the efforts of prominent grand masters, such as Sen Genshitsu (1923–2025), who advanced the school internationally after WWII, promoting peace and cultural exchange through tea ceremonies held worldwide. He was honored with high distinctions in Japan and abroad for these cultural contributions and diplomatic outreach.

Today, Urasenke continues to actively promote the tea ceremony through educational events, demonstrations, and cultural centers globally, helping to maintain and spread the art and philosophy of the tea ceremony as a living tradition.

This history and ongoing global engagement underscore the Urasenke school's enduring cultural and spiritual significance in Japan and beyond. The exhibition is a testament to the school's commitment to preserving and sharing these traditions with the world, making it an unmissable event for anyone interested in Japanese culture and tea ceremony.

The exhibition at our gallery combines the art of Urasenke tea ceremony and Japanese carpentry, offering a unique insight into Japanese culture and tradition.
The tea ceremony, deeply rooted in Zen philosophy, mirrors a way of life emphasizing harmony, respect, purity, tranquility, and hospitality.
Guests can attend a presentation and Q&A session, or join a 'pop-up' tea ceremony led by experts from the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association on select Tuesday afternoons.
The exhibition celebrates Japanese carpentry, showcasing the innovative tools and techniques craftsmen, known as Daiku, have developed, even with limited metal ore resources.
The Sa-an Teahouse, a masterpiece from Sen no Rikyu's era, is on display as part of the "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit" exhibition.
The tea ceremony offers visitors a chance to sample tea elevated to an art form, making it a must-visit for tea enthusiasts and culture aficionados interested in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, technology, education-and-self-development, and lifestyle.
Urasenke, a school with a long history and global presence, continues to promote the tea ceremony through educational events, demonstrations, and cultural centers worldwide.
This extraordinary exhibition underscores the Urasenke school's enduring cultural and spiritual significance, making it an unmissable event for those interested in Japanese culture and the philosophy of the tea ceremony.