The Way of Tea Special Event at the British Museum

There will be a illustrated talk and presentation of the Way of Tea (chado) according to the Urasenke tradition at the BP Lecture Theatre in the British Museum on Friday, 17th September 2010 from 2.30 pm.

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 in direct transmission from the sixteenth century.

Urasenke has the largest number of members among the various schools of tea existing in Japan today, and it has also been active introducing tea abroad since the 1950s. There are at present close to a hundred centres in thirty-five countries where tea is practised. 

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 of 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, working as the Urasenke representative at the Hawaii branch 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 the Way of Tea 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 for gyotei, deputy grand masters, to give a talk and tea presentation at the British Museum. 

Macha Tasting (13:30 - 14:20)