Kawai Kanjirō’s Way of Tea

Join the co-curators of Kawai Kanjirō: House to House (March 10–May 10, 2026) for a brief curatorial talk. Michele Bambling, Senior Director, Gallery, Japan Society; and Tamae Sagi, Curator, the Kawai Kanjirō House; will discuss the curatorial process and main themes of Japan Society Gallery’s spring exhibition.

The talk will serve as an introduction to an intimate tea ceremony hosted by Sagi. In the spirit of her grandfather Kawai Kanjirō, Sagi will serve guests matcha, steeped green tea, and Kyoto sweets (dubbed “Hinodemae” by Kawai), all using ceramic tea bowls and plates created by the artist. This is a rare opportunity to celebrate Kawai’s lifelong embrace of functional pottery and warm hospitality by drinking and eating from his ceramic works. Differing from widely practiced Japanese tea ceremonies, Kawai-style tea is served seated at a table in a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

There are three seatings: 10:30am, 11am, and 1pm.