Tea Room Created by Takashi Sugimoto, Interior Designer Iron, 1993 "Now", (Tea Bowl) Created by Yuichi Ikai, Ceramist Ceramic, 2000 "Chuken" (Mid-air house), Tea Room Created by Atsushi Kitagawara, Architect White cedar, acrylic and stee, 1993. "Choan" (Long Abode), Ryurei-style Tea Space Created by Ikko Tanaka, Graphic Designer Wood, 1993. "Kaigu" (Matching set of utensils) Created by Kimiko Nakamura, Formative Art Creator Water jar, laddle stand, waste-water receptacle, kettle-lid rest. Stainless steel, 1992.
	The New Way Of Tea A New York Exhibition Features Tea Ceremonies in Traditional and Experimental Environments by Japanese and Non-Japanese Artists In a major two-part exhibition, The New Way of Tea, opening concurrently at the Asia Society and Museum and the Japan Society on March 6, through May 19, in New York City, visitors will find a comprehensive overview of environments, utensils, and performances exploring the aesthetic and contemplative aspects of the contemporary Japanese tea ceremony - also known as the Way of Tea. The practice and arts of the Way of Tea form a tradition that has evolved over a long period of time in China, Korea and Japan, culminating in a unique, communal event centered on contemplation and aesthetics. The exhibition will feature seven teahouses installed in both venues, representing the finest expressions of traditional and contemporary architectural designs. In addition, some 100 utensils designed by Japanese and non-Japanese artists and selected by Seizo Hayashiya, Japan's leading scholar of the practice and art of tea, will be on view. Guided by tea practicioners, members of the public will also have the opportunity to learn and perform the basic steps of the tea ceremony, and through this process, will develop an understanding of the universal relevance of the practice. The exhibition, the first to introduce the contemporary practice and arts of the Way of Tea, will be at both venues through May 19. ____________________________ ... the art form had evolved into a highly ritualized event, in which every element - the manner in which people gathered, every piece of equipment, even the way in which participants entered the tearoom - had taken on a profound significance. ____________________________ According to historical tradition, the drinking of powdered green tea was introduced from China to Japan in the late twelfth century by the monk Eisai, the founder of Japan's Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. Under the influence of the great tea master Senno Rikyu in the late sixteenth century, tea practice rose to the fore as a pastime and pursuit of both the military elite and the aristocracy. By the mid-seventeenth century, the art form had evolved into a highly ritualized event, in which every element - the manner in which people gathered, every piece of equipment, even the way in which participants entered the tearoom - had taken on a profound significance. Since its inception, the Way of Tea has embraced an eclectic range of artifacts from other Asian cultures, and in the upcoming exhibition, this aspect of the practice will be featured, emphasizing the universal nature of the experience for the participant - an experience that has been described as enhancing self-discipline, mental harmony, and tranquility. Visitor Participation The New Way of Tea is intended to provide a complete sensory experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn and perform the basic steps of tea practice both in the exhibition spaces at Japan Society and at Asia Society. The exhibition will be accompanied by texts and videotapes of traditional tea ceremonies to provide historical context. Related public programs and performances will also include a series of lectures at both institutions, gallery tours by a selection of artists and designers, tastings at the Asia Society's Garden Court cafe, and informal teahouse concerts to provide visitors with opportunities to enjoy the full range of experiences associated with the consumption and practice of tea. Asia Society The Asia Society is America's leading institution dedicated to fostering understanding of Asia and communication between Americans and the peoples of Asia and the Pacific. A nonprofit, nonpartisan educational institution, the Asia Society presents a wide range of programs including major art exhibitions, performances, media programs, international conferences and lectures, and initiatives to improve elementary and secondary education about Asia. The Asia Society is headquartered in New York City, with regional centers in Washington, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Melbourne, Australia, and representative offices in San Francisco, Manila and Shanghai. The society recently underwent a major renovation that greatly expands its galleries and public spaces. For more information, contact the Asia Society and Museum, 725 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021. (212) 288-6400. (www.asiasociety.org). Asia Society Museum gallery hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M., with extended evening hours Fridays until 9:00 P.M. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission: $7; $5 for seniors and students with ID; free for members and persons under 16; and free to all on Fridays, 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. Japan Society Japan Society, founded in 1907, is an American institution with individual and corporate members, which promotes understanding and enlightened relations between the United States and Japan. It is a private, nonprofit, nonpolitical organization devoted to cultural, educational and public affairs and to discussions, exchanges and research in areas of vital interest to both countries. The Society provides informative, innovative programming that is often available nowhere else in the country. Japan Society is funded by contributions, endowments, grants, membership dues, and revenue from functions and events. Further information is available at www.japansociety.org. Japan Society Gallery has been a preeminent venue for exhibitions of Japanese design and crafts since its founding in 1971. The Japan Society is located at 333, East 47th Street, between First and Second Avenues. For more information call (212) 832 1155 or visit the website at www.japansocietv.org. Japan Society Gallery hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M., Saturday and Sunday 11:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission: $5; $3 for seniors and students with ID; free for members. This website: Copyright © 2002 Dream World Media, LLC. / Urban Mozaik Magazine. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed in Urban Mozaik Magazine are not necessarily those of Urban Mozaik Magazine and the publisher cannot be held responsible for them. This website/publication, in whole or in part, may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher and/or original publisher.