Weekly Tea Gatherings | Impromptu Urasenke Tea Ritual Events

In the heart of the city, a unique exhibition is set to captivate visitors with its blend of tradition and innovation. The "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit" exhibition, running from November 20, 2024, to January 22, 2025, showcases the exquisite Japanese woodworking techniques that have been harmoniously sourced from the forests, and the profound reverence for nature that underpins them.

At the core of this exhibition lies the work of Daiku, the revered master carpenters in Japan, whose craftsmanship is on display in the form of intricate carvings, delicate joinery, and beautifully crafted structures. The exhibition is free for all to attend, offering an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history and skill of Japanese carpentry.

The exhibition also highlights the Urasenke tea ceremony, one of the principal schools within Japanese tea culture. This traditional practice, deeply rooted in the tradition of chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony), embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. It traces its lineage directly to Sen no Rikyū, the historical figure credited with perfecting the tea ceremony and emphasizing the principles of "wabi" — a quiet, rustic simplicity and restrained elegance—which remain central to the tea ceremony today.

The Urasenke tea ceremony is known for its distinctive approach to aesthetics, including the way matcha is whisked, the rotation of tea bowls before serving, and an emphasis on visual balance in presentation. The ceremony is a meditative space of hospitality and mindfulness that continues to resonate in the modern age.

Visitors to the exhibition can experience a tea ceremony demonstration led by experts from the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association on select Tuesday afternoons in winter. The program will be held in the space in front of the Sa-an Teahouse, with guests seated in chairs during the experience. The program includes an introduction, demonstration, tasting (of tea and sweets), and Q&A session.

The Sa-an Teahouse, originally designed in the late 16th century by tea master Sen no Rikyu, is part of the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or chadō, a centuries-old practice that embodies Japanese philosophical and artistic principles. The tea ceremony event is part of the "National Hot Tea Month" and offers an opportunity to sample and savor tea elevated to an art form.

The intersection between Japanese craft and the Urasenke tea ceremony is evident in the seasonal tea utensils (bowls, scoops, caddies, whisks, etc.), which are appreciated for both their practical use and artistic craftsmanship. Each tea gathering is an occasion to admire the utensils, which often include works by renowned craftspeople or ancient treasures. This close relationship has helped sustain traditional Japanese crafts, as artisans specializing in ceramics, lacquerware, silk, and bamboo continue producing items tailored to the aesthetic and functional needs of the tea ceremony.

The program is subject to change, and both sessions are the same program. Gallery hours for the exhibition are Mon. - Fri. | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM and Sat. - Sun. | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. The exhibition celebrates the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship and their holistic relationship with the environment. The "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit" exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, and history.

The unique exhibition, "Masters of Carpentry: Melding Forest, Skill and Spirit," running from November 20, 2024, to January 22, 2025, showcases the ancient Japanese craft of carpentry, with a blend of tradition and innovation, in the heart of the city.
The exhibition seamlessly integrates Japanese woodworking techniques with the Urasenke tea ceremony, a traditional practice deeply rooted in the philosophy of chanoyu, embodying harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
The Urasenke tea ceremony, known for its meditative space of hospitality and mindfulness, shares a close relationship with traditional Japanese crafts, such as ceramics, lacquerware, silk, and bamboo, showcased in the tea utensils.
Visitors can attend a tea ceremony demonstration led by experts from the Urasenke Tankokai Los Angeles Association on specific Tuesday afternoons during the exhibition, held in front of the Sa-an Teahouse, which was designed by the tea master Sen no Rikyū.
The program is part of "National Hot Tea Month" and offers guests a chance to sample and savor tea as an art form, echoing the significance of food-and-drink in Japanese lifestyle and culture.
The exhibition, set in a gallery and featuring the intricate carvings, delicate joinery, and beautifully crafted structures by Daiku, the revered master carpenters, celebrates the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship, art, history, and tradition, while showcasing their holistic relationship with nature and the environment.