Dr. Genshitsu Sen, former Grand Master of the Urasenke tradition of Tea, to Visit Seattle, May 11, 2008

The University of Washington and the Seattle Asian Art Museum will host a special visit by the former Grand Master Sen (Hounsai Soshitsu XV) Genshitsu of the renowned Urasenke Tradition of the Way of Tea. The Urasenke Tea Tradition traces its origins to Japan’s seminal 16th century tea master Sen Rikyu. In his third visit to Seattle, Dr. Sen will present a Lecture at the University of Washington and a Lecture and Demonstration of the Way of Tea at the Seattle Asian Art Museum

Tea is known to people worldwide, but nowhere has it contributed as much to the cultural milieu as in Japan, where the preparation and drinking of tea, in a special form called Matcha (powdered green tea blended with hot water), became the basis for a profound spiritual and aesthetic discipline that has had a pervasive impact on Japanese civilization. The Urasenke Chado tradition has stood firmly by the principles of Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility for over four centuries since Sen Rikyu’s time.

Genshitsu Sen, the father of current Urasenke Grand Master, Zabosai Soshitsu Sen XVI, was Urasenke Grand Master for 38 years (1964-2002) and is widely known as a global-minded promoter of the culture embraced by Chado and of world peace. He has traveled abroad on more than 250 occasions to spread the peaceful ideals represented in Chado. Since September 2005, he has been serving as Japan-U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, a position he was appointed to by the Japanese Government.

Public Events:
Lecture "Peace through a Bowl of Tea-- the Spirit of Tea”
Monday, May 12, 2:30-4:00 PM, UW Henry Art Gallery Auditorium
Preceded by Reception with Japanese Tea
Monday, May 12, 1:00-2:15 PM, UW Henry Art Gallery Baci Café. Free tickets can be picked up in person at the Henry Art Gallery front desk starting Tuesday, April 15. Limit 4 per person. For ticketing please call 206.616.4294.

Lecture-Demonstration “Chado as a World Art Form, -- a Vision of Peace”
Tuesday, May 13, 3:00-4:30 PM, Seattle Asian Art Museum Stimpson Auditorium, followed by Reception with Japanese Tea
Tuesday, May 13, 4:30-5:30 PM, Seattle Asian Art Museum Alvord Board Room. For reservations call 206.324.1483 or email b@urasenkeseattle.org