Image © Urasenke London

Chado (the way of tea) is recognised around the world as being representative of Japanese traditional culture. The Urasenke school of tea transmits the fundaments and aesthetic of tea as it was developed by Sen no Rikyu (1522-91), and preserved by generations of masters since the sixteenth century.

Urasenke is the largest school of tea that exists in Japan today, and it has also been active in introducing tea abroad since the 1950s. There are at present close to a hundred centres in thirty-five countries.

The illustrated talk with English translation is being given by the gyotei Machida Soryu and Fushida Sokei, who have been sent to London by  Sen Genshitsu, the former Grand Master of Urasenke and Sen Soshitsu, the present Grand Master. Gyotei are representatives of the present Grand Master, deputy grand masters, or special instructors trained in the Urasenke household who are committed to preserving and transmitting the traditions of Urasenke. There are only forty throughout the world.

Machida Soryu has served the Grand Master for more than thirty years. He has taught in Japan, as well as abroad and has been working as the Urasenke representative in Hawaii for ten years and introducing the Urasenke tradition throughout the world from Southeast Asia and Oceania to the United States and Europe.

Fushida Sokei is a younger instructor who has a great deal of experience introducing chado overseas. He is a capable representative of the upcoming generation.

Urasenke has had a branch in London since 1976. However this is the first time gyotei, deputy grand masters,will give a talk and tea presentation at the British Museum. 

There will be matcha, Japanese powdered green tea, served by Urasenke members before the presentation.

For further information visit www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on.aspx

And if you wish to know more about Urasenke London contact chadouk@me.com or visit www.urasenke.co.uk.

Urasenke UK