Katsuhito Nakasone hosting a Traditional Japanese Tea Gathering in 2009

Photo by Jon Gardiner/Duke Photography

Beginning later this month month, you can learn even more, in a variety of workshops featuring Katsuhito Nakasone, a visiting landscape architect from Toyama, Japan, Durhams sister city. In The Japanese Tradition of Tea, a lecture on Nov. 28 from 6:30-8 p.m., Nakasone will draw from his own experience designing and building his familys teahouse and the surrounding garden. He and Nancy Hamilton, coordinator of Japanese cultural events at Duke Gardens, will draw parallels to the Duke Gardens teahouse and tea garden in the Japanese Pavilion and discuss the transformative nature of the tea experience.

The following morning at 10:45 a.m., Nakasone will host a traditional Japanese Tea Gathering. Guests to this intimate event will experience the rich tradition and warm atmosphere of the tearoom as Nakasone presents tea and shares his unique perspective. He will also bring his favorite blend of tea, as well as sweets from Toyama for all to enjoy a taste of tea from afar.

A sodegaki workshop will follow on Friday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Japanese style of garden design has many strategies that help a visitor focus on detail, shift their perspective and begin to feel connected to nature. A beautiful bamboo screen is one such strategy. Called sodegaki, or sleeve screen, the screens are often intricate and patterned with a variety of joining, fitting and tying techniques.

Examples of sodegaki. Photos by Paul Jones.

Designing new moss and maple grove garden is the focus of the final workshop, on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will observe a team of designers as they discuss, evaluate and finalize selections of specific trees, moss selection and placement, and tree-pruning strategies for a new garden. The team will comprise Nakasone, Oshita, Asiatic Arboretum curator Paul Jones, Portland Japanese Garden curator Sadafumi Uchiyama and stone mason Brooks Burleson.

The workshop will conclude with a complete layout and finalizing of plans for installation. The workshop location will be indoors and out, adjusting with weather conditions.

MORE INFORMATION:

Sarah P. Duke Gardens creates and nurtures an environment in the heart of Duke University for learning, inspiration and enjoyment through excellence in horticulture. The Gardens is at 420 Anderson St.

Originally posted here:
Japanese Architect to Talk at Duke Gardens on the Tradition of Japanese Tea

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November 20, 2012 at 5:01 am by Mr HomeBuilder
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