At last night’s exhibition opening, we had the privilege of hosting two captivating tea ritual demonstrations by Yoshitsugu Nagano, a tea master of the Ueda Soko-ryu school. Yoshitsugu shared the profound philosophy that tea objects grow in meaning as we connect with them more deeply over time. His demonstration beautifully highlighted the appreciation of tea ceramics as a multisensory experience, rooted in the heart.
In his article featured in our exhibition catalog, Yoshitsugu writes: “The teachings of chanoyu offer valuable lessons that enrich not only the lives of samurai but also those of us living in the modern world. Choose your favorite tea bowl, boil fresh water each morning, prepare matcha in natural light, and drink it slowly. As you hone your senses and experience harmony, the aesthetic of wabi will awaken in your heart.”
In 2018, Yoshitsugu Nagano became the youngest to attain the highest rank in Ueda Soko-ryu, earning the title of Professor. Inspired by this achievement, he began his journey as an independent tea practitioner, spreading the Way of Tea worldwide. In 2019, he moved to New York to further this mission.
Since then, Yoshitsugu has conducted over 150 tea ceremonies and delivered more than 400 lectures. In 2022, he founded and led Chanoyu Week NYC, bringing the timeless practice of tea to a broader audience. A heartfelt thank you to Yoshitsugu-sensei and to everyone who attended last night’s event in honor of Japanese tea ceramics.
Our exhibition, The Craft of Tea, is on view until September 20th, 2024. We warmly invite you to visit!