Tea Times  May, June & July 2008

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, May 19, June 2 or July 14 at 4:30p.m. or 7:30p.m. No prior experience is necessary and the class fee is $20.  Please Email us to make a reservation or for more information about these special classes.

TANGO NO SEKKU TEA
(Boys' Day Festival)

Kimika, Larry and their students will host a tea celebrating tango no sekku, the Boys' Day Festival, at the NichibeikaiKansoan tearoom, 1759 Sutter St., S.F.

The festival dates from the Heian period and is celebrated in Japan on May 5. It is also called shobu no sekku, the Iris Festival as well as the Children's Day Festival.  This tea is open to anyone who enjoys Japanese culture and wants to experience a traditional tea gathering.

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..

DATE - Friday, June 20, 2008
TIME - 7p.m. to 9:30p.m.
FEE - $30

This traditional wagashi Japanese sweet making class will feature mizubotan and mitarashidango.  Mizubotan, water peony, is made with kudzu starch wrapped around a ball of pink sweet bean paste. Mitarashidango are small round dumplings made from rice flour. They are placed on a skewer, grilled and served with a sweet sauce. Mitarashidango are traditionally served during jizobon, the summer Buddhist Children's Festival.  This class will include both demonstration and hands-on practice. Tea and sweets will be served after the class.

The theme of the tea will be tanabata, the star festival, an ancient Chinese legend that has been celebrated in Japan from the 8th century. The legend centers around two stars, Vega, the weaver maiden and Altair, the herdsman. The heavenly king allowed the two lovers to meet once a year on the 7th night of the 7th moon. They would meet on a bridge formed by the outstretched wings of heavenly magpies, but only if it were a clear night. If not they were forced to wait another year.  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: Wagashi class   Kaiseki class


* 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.

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