On June 9, a special exhibition titled "Sokuchusai So-sho Yukarino Chadogu-ten," or exhibition of Master Sokuchusai's tea ceremony tools, opened in the Omotesenke Kitayama-kaikan in Kita Ward, Kyoto. There is a wide selection of displays introducing the previous Omotesenke master's turbulent years pre- and post-WWII, and marking the 33rd year since his passing.

Sokuchusai took his name on becoming the 13th master in 1937, and devoted his energies to organizing the Omotesenke School and spreading the art of the tea ceremony. An exhibit of particular interest is calligraphy with youthful penmanship before he received his master name, which he signed as "Kakujiro."

There are also many joint works with luminaries from many spheres. Works that tell of the breadth of his exchanges include a scroll painted with a Japanese radish by late Kabuki actor Shoroku Onoe II attached to one of Sokuchusai's tea cups, and a Hagi ware tea cup with inscriptions by both the master and former prime-minister Nobusuke Kishi. Also exhibited is a heart-warming scroll by three generations of masters, Sokuchusai, Sosa, the present master, and Soin, who is Sokuchusai's grandson and the next master, which was jointly made in Soin's early childhood.

Other exhibits include "Shifuku," a pouch used in the tea ceremony, and "Fukusa," a ceremonial cloth, which are made from articles left by Sokuchusai, and visitors take their time viewing the exhibits. The exhibition will continue until July 3. It is closed on Mondays and there is an entrance fee.