UNEARTHED presents our 2024 Christmas highlight, an exhibition dedicated to the art of the Japanese Tea Ceremony:
CHAWAN . CHAIRE . SHIFUKU . CALLIGRAPHIES
for the Japanese Tea Ceremony by Sasaki Shōraku, Studio Shifuku and Nessim Cohen
Exhibition period: Monday Dec 9th until Saturday Dec 14th: open daily from 1pm to 7pm (Sun 8th only by appointment)
Opening Reception with Sasaki-san, Kyle and Nessim: Sat 7.12. 4pm - 8pm (artists in attendance, no reservation needed)
Framework Programm:
Tea Ceremonies on Sat Dec 7th (2, 2:45 and 3:30pm) with Kyle Whittington (RSVP here, more weekday sessions by request)
Two-day Ceramic Workshop on Saturday/Sunday 7./8.12. (building SAT 11am to 1:30pm + shaping SUN 11am to 3pm)
“Forming a tea bowl” with Sasaki Shōraku and Nessim Cohen (RSVP here, limited to 6 participants)
Sasaki SHŌRAKU 佐々木昭楽 is the fourth generation head of the Shōraku kiln, located in Kameoka, Kyoto. The inception of the kiln in 1905 was informed by the strong sense of “Rikyu-wabicha” and spirit of “Zen”.
Raku-yaki is a type of Japanese pottery which is hand-shaped rather than thrown, and removed from the kiln when still hot. Developed under Sen-no-Rikyu, it has been strongly connected to the tea ceremony (Chanoyu) ever since.
Studio SHIFUKU / Kyle Whittington works with clients around the world to create Shifuku for their tea wares. Exhibited internationally Kyle’s work is a contemporary reflection of the tradition of Shifuku and textiles in Chanoyu.
Shifuku 仕服, lit. clothes for tea wares: In Chanoyu valued high-status pieces (like Chaire/tea caddies & Chawan) are displayed and used in the Chashitsu (tea room) wrapped in beautiful silk pouches tied with a braided silk cord.
Nessim Cohen is a multimedia artist and writer working with Japanese craftsmen and traditional techniques. His calligraphies and ceramics are designed with the aesthetic of the Japanese tea room in mind. His artistic creations and books are renowned for their simplicity and elegance in Kyoto, New York and Europe.
