On With The Shofuso

by D.J. Short

tea time with mom

No shirt, no shoes, no service: the cardinal rules of being a patron. Well, Shofuso says leave your shoes at the door.

Shofuso, or the Japanese House, as it is known to many, is hosting a Japanese Tea Ceremony for Mother's Day. The ceremony, chanoyu, literally means "hot water for tea." Urasenke tea master Taeko Shervin, resident tea master at Shofuso for 30 years, will provide a demonstration for the preparation of the tea.

While the beautiful Japanese House and garden is owned by the city, it lives and breathes due to generous support from members. Shofuso, open from May to October annually, also offers summer camps and guided tours, and hosts special events such as weddings.

One of the most exciting developments at the Japanese House includes an ambitious mural project by Hiroshi Senju, one of Japan's internationally renowned contemporary artists. "It is actually quite a long process," says Durell Griffin, manager of Shofuso. Senju "has to decide what he wants to paint and then apply it to paper sliding doors for the room. We plan to have it installed by May of 2006."

In addition to the murals, Senju will also install a centerpiece alcove wall. The mural project completes one of the final phases of the restoration of the unique shoin-zukuri (desk-centered) house, handcrafted in 16th-century style, to its original beauty.

In a world of tall, grande and venti lattes, it's nice to know that you can still go somewhere with just an open mind and a comfortable pair of socks.

Mother's Day Tea Ceremony, Sun., May 8, 1 and 2:30 p.m., $12, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, 4700 States Dr. Reservations strongly suggested (30 people per seating). For more information or reservations, call 215-878-5097 or visit www.shofuso.com.