Urasenke

Japanese tea ceremony school

Urasenke (裏千家) is one of the main schools of Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu. It is one of the three historical schools of tea ceremony that are collectively referred to as the San-Senke (三千家), the "Three Sen Houses". The Urasenke school is renowned for its emphasis on the spirit of hospitality and the aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi.

History

The Urasenke school traces its origins to Sen no Rikyū, the 16th-century tea master who is credited with refining the Japanese tea ceremony into a spiritual and aesthetic discipline. The school was formally established by Rikyū's great-grandson, Sen Sōtan, in the early 17th century. Sōtan's third son, Sen Sōsa, became the first head of the Urasenke line.

Kabuto mon, the crest of the Urasenke school

The name "Urasenke" means "back Sen house," referring to the location of the family residence in Kyoto, which was situated behind the main Sen family house. Over the centuries, Urasenke has developed its own unique style and philosophy of tea, while maintaining the core principles established by Rikyū.

Philosophy

Urasenke emphasizes the spirit of wa kei sei jaku (和敬清寂), which translates to "harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility." These principles guide the practice of tea and the interactions between host and guest. The school also places a strong emphasis on the concept of ichigo ichie (一期一会), meaning "one time, one meeting," which highlights the uniqueness and transience of each tea gathering.

Architecture

The Urasenke school is headquartered at the Konnichian (今日庵) in Kyoto, a historic tea house that serves as the center of Urasenke activities. The architecture of Konnichian reflects the aesthetic principles of wabi-sabi, with its simple, rustic design and natural materials.

Konnichian stile beside Urasenke gate

Activities

Urasenke is actively involved in promoting the tea ceremony both in Japan and internationally. The school conducts classes, demonstrations, and cultural exchanges to spread the appreciation of tea culture. Urasenke has established tea centers around the world, including in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Urasenke Center building, Kyoto

Notable Figures

The current head of the Urasenke school is Sen Sōshitsu XVI, who has been instrumental in modernizing the school and expanding its global reach. Under his leadership, Urasenke has continued to adapt to contemporary society while preserving its traditional values.

Maria Kaczyńska participating in a tea ceremony at Urasenke

Related pages

• Japanese tea ceremony
• Sen no Rikyū
• Wabi-sabi
• San-Senke