Tea and the Japanese Tradition of Chanoyu

Comprehensive Unit134 pagesGrade Level: Middle School – High SchoolIncludes curriculum unit + CD-ROM of images + DVD ("An Invitation to Tea: 'Ichigo Ichie'") The Japanese tradition of chanoyu (pronounced chah-no-you) often simplistically referred to as the Japanese tea ceremony, is a practice that evolved from the tea gatherings of China's Song Dynasty. Over the course of several centuries, Japan's tea practice became formalized by a man named Sen Rikyu in the 16th century. Rikyu's form of tea encompassed art, religion, social interaction, and economics, and has contributed significantly to the history and culture of Japan. In fact, he so revolutionized chanoyu that he is universally recognized as the most important tea master who ever lived. Tea and the Japanese Tradition of Chanoyu introduces students to this multifaceted tradition, how this tradition is practiced today, and how it endures from one generation to the next. Lesson One provides students with a brief background abo