by Whitney Hale, Erin Holaday, & Jessica Hancock

The University of Kentucky Asia Center will host a Chado (Japanese tea ceremony) demonstration at 2 p.m. on May 29 and June 12 at the Art Museum at UK.

The tea ceremony is designed to take a few moments to close out the world and find a moment of peace and tranquility. Chado, meaning "the way of tea," is a way to self-discipline, inner strength and peace. The ceremony is designed to contain different elements of the Japanese arts, including pottery, calligraphy, lacquer work and more.

"In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently sitting alone and drinking tea, I feel these become a part of me," was the way that Sen Soshitsu XIV, former grand master of the Urasenke School of Tea summarized his feelings on tea.

The tea ceremony has been established for over 450 years and is still practiced in Japan by men and women of all ages. The ceremony will be formal; the hosts will wear kimonos and will serve tea on tatami mats. The demonstration is free and open to the public. Matcha tea and sweets will be served.

The tea ceremonies are being held in conjunction with UK's "Splendid Silk: Japanese Embroidery" exhibition, which features works by contemporary artists that have recreated ancient designs. The exhibit, sponsored by the Art Museum at the University of Kentucky in partnership with the UK Asia Center and the UK College of Fine Arts and dedicated to the people of Japan, will run April 10 to July 3. 

For more information, please contact Mike Hardy at (859) 257-4523 or mike.hardy@uky.edu.