Embrace tradition and artistry in our hands-on mooncake workshop. Learn the ancient techniques of crafting these symbolic pastries, from the smooth outer layer to the rich, flavorful fillings. By the end, you'll have your very own mooncake, a token of harvest, reunion, and sweet memories.

Embark on a culinary journey exploring the world of dumplings! Learn the art of crafting dough, choosing flavorful fillings, and perfecting the pleats. By the end, you'll savor the taste of your handcrafted dumplings and the joy of creating them.‍

Ikebana originated with Ikenobo, beginning in Kyoto, Japan, as a Buddhist floral offering. Passed down through generations of the Ikenobo family and from teacher to student, Ikenobo has spread throughout Japan and around the world. We invite you to begin by contacting an Ikenobo teacher.

Discovery and enjoyment await as Ikenobo’s principles suggest new possibility in the beauty of floral material in your own country. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

The Chicago Chapter is one of hundreds worldwide that study and teach the art of Japanese flower arranging, Kado, as taught by the Ikenobo School of Kyoto, Japan. In 2013, we celebrate our 550th year of written history and 1,000 years of oral tradition.The Chicago Chapter was founded over 50 years ago by Senior Professor Ikka Nakashima. She is the second woman ever to receive the highest honor given outside the Imperial family, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays.

The Emperor of Japan personally presented her with this award in Tokyo for her tireless service in promoting Japanese arts and culture.

Explore tea with our Tea Tasting and Ceremony Experience, hosted at your choice of location. Our tea masters will introduce you to exceptional teas and guide you in proper brewing techniques. This ceremony blends tradition and sensory exploration, making tea appreciation accessible to all. Discover the rich history and diverse flavors of tea in this intimate session.

Japanese ink painting, (sumi-e) is the art of painting using brush (fude), ink (sumi) and thin absorbent “rice-paper” (washi).

Patricia Larkin Green will be instructing 5 classes of Sumi-e (each 2 hr long). Advance at your own pace, you do not need to know how to paint with ink, all levels are welcome, and course materials will be provided. The emphasis is on the process! The Class will be introduced to the “Four Treasures” (The ink stick, the ink stone, brush and paper) and each class will begin with a demonstration then guided instruction on how to paint “The Four Gentlemen” (The lessons introduce the student to the four basic strokes groups). Advanced Students will work at their own pace discovering idea paintings.

The Four Gentlemen teach the foundational brushstrokes of Sumi-e:

Bamboo: thin stroke, wide stroke, side stroke are used to create bamboo stalks, twigs and leaves. The bamboo brush stroke teaches how to load the brush, apply pressure, and lift the brush.

Wild Orchid: long and short strokes, turning the brush and changing direction, and heart dots comprise the flowing grass stroke, and flower.

Chrysanthemum: more practice loading the brush, broad leaf strokes, curved and thicker brush strokes, thin line strokes (leaf veins), petals, light and dark create the fullness of the flower and depth of the leaves with expressive shapes.

Plum Blossom: Thick dry brush stroke (flying white brush stroke), dots and curved flower petals expand your expertise and control of the brush with a variety of sensitive and full strokes.

Suminagashi, which translates to floating black ink, is an ancient meditative Japanese practice of gently floating pigments on the surface of water with a brush and then capturing the mono print image on an absorbent paper.

This exciting 2-hour workshop will present historical background and introduce the time honored technique and several artistic possibilities. Recommended for beginners. Limit of 8 students per class. All supplies provided.

Class topics include:

Review of Suminagashi patterns with samples of optional papers
Historical background of Japanese paper marbling
Review of supplies and preparation
Suminagashi demo
Student practice of line control with individual coaching
Each student will leave with at least 10 beautiful Suminagashi images and gain enough experience to continue their own practice.

From cranes to flowers to cute little boxes, origami is the Japanese art of paper folding that allows you to create anything your heart desires!

Materials Required: 1 or 2 square pieces of paper will be needed. You will receive a link to printable origami paper!

Step into the world of traditional Japanese dyeing with this Shibori workshop. Learn the ancient art of folding, twisting, and binding fabric, then immerse it in vibrant indigo for mesmerizing patterns. Walk away with a one-of-a-kind textile creation, rich in history and beauty.

Introduction to coffee making, followed by a tasting of different curated blends from around the world. Remote participants receive a kit prior to the event with different blends.

Learn the art of crafting dough, choosing flavorful fillings, and perfecting the pleats with our Asian Dumplings and Dim Sum Cooking Class.

Introduction

20 minutes - Start your journey with a warm greeting. Discover the rich history and artistry behind Chinese dumplings and dim sum.

80 minutes - Learn about different crimping styles, explore assorted fillings, and master wrapping and sealing dumplings. Whether you prefer a savory chicken lemon filling or a flavorful veggie filling, you'll get hands-on experience creating three distinct styles of dumplings.

20 minutes - Admire the array of dumplings and engage in lively conversations with fellow food enthusiasts. Our inviting ambiance fosters connection and camaraderie.

Our class welcomes everyone. No experience is needed. We provide all the necessary equipment and ingredients. We accommodate various dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, fish-free, and shellfish-free options.

Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken objects, highlighting the cracks with gold. Bringing forward the narrative, and serving to honor impermanence.

Kintsugi is used as an analogy for people to practice resilience. Transform, and recover from past experiences. It can serve as an analogy for the duality of life, life’s tendency to both be incredibly beautiful and challenging at the same time.

Wabi Sabi, is the ancient Japanese art philosophy, of finding value in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. It invites a new perspective drawing on ancient Zen truth’s like non- attachment, impermanence, and awareness. As well as finding beauty in the insignificant, and unconventional, finding value in impermanence. And drawing inspiration from the incomplete.

In this intimate workshop, we have tea and introductions, and then we will break and restore your own teacup, provided by the workshop using modern Kintsugi techniques. We’ll learn the centuries old Japanese art philosophy Wabi Sabi, And reflect on thought provoking questions

Please bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty, and your open minds, we look forward to meeting you.

Note: Please be aware if you are bringing your own piece of pottery to repair, some un glazed clay bodies can be difficult to work with due to the textured surface.

Whether it's an in-store pop-up or corporate event, experience the fusion of tradition and innovation as we serve aromatic dairy and non-dairy chai at our Pakistani-American pop-up. Dive into lively conversations about our unique chai brand, creating an upbeat, exciting, and social vibe in a cozy setting. Sip, savor, and connect with the rich flavors of culture.

Dive into the art of sushi making! Guided by a seasoned sushi chef, discover the secrets to selecting fish, perfecting the rice, and mastering the roll. Leave with newfound skills and a palate pleased by your own handcrafted sushi delights.‍

Japanese calligraphy or Shodo is an artistic way of writing the Japanese language using brush (fude) and ink (sumi). This form of writing with a set brush stroke order allows for a creative way to produce works of art. Often tied with meditation, the mind is cleared to let the letters flow out with little effort. This state of mind is called mu shin or “no mind state.

There are different calligraphy styles such as: kaisho (correct writing) described as deliberate and clear strokes similar to newspaper print, gyousho (traveling writing) seen as a semi cursive style, and sousho (grass writing) the flowing cursive style. You can also use your calligraphy to decorate objects such as fans or lamps. Whether you practice “mushin” or simply enjoy exploring your creativity, you can learn about yourself as you allow the worries of the week to flow out like the ink off the brush while economically beautifying your living area.

The classes are focused on learning various writing techniques while working on assignments that are tailored to each student’s level and ability. Whether beginner or advanced, all levels and ages are welcomed!

Kimchi is a fermented side dish that is the staple of korean cuisine. The most common types are napa cabbage and radish, though there are in fact many more kinds of kimchi made from various leafy greens or root vegetables.

Each batch of volcano kimchi is brined, and then fermented in room temperature for several days, depending on the weather. Some people prefer young kimchi that is less fermented. Others like it sour. The ideal time, imho, is between 2-3 weeks fermented.