Appreciation of Art and Beauty
“… the mystical power which springs from the artist’s soul passes through the written word, the visual image, the musical instrument, the song or dance, and plucks at the soul of all humankind.”
—Meishusama
Art and beauty have the power to nourish and refine the soul. Beauty fosters a deeper appreciation of life and all creation. Art fosters harmony both within the individual and among communities. We encourage our members and friends to make art an integral part of their lives.
Amidst the abundant natural beauty in the Shigaraki mountains of Shiga, Japan, Shumei created the Miho Museum. The museum opened its doors in November, 1997 and has attracted visitors from around the world to this remote location since then. The museum was designed by architect I.M. Pei, who is renowned for works such as the the glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris. The architecture is based on art and beauty, and it is for this reason that the space was used for the Louis Vuitton Fashion Show in 2018.
Paul Winter Consort
Seven-time Grammy® winner Paul Winter has a body of work that chronicles his wide-ranging experiences in the musical traditions and natural environments of the Earth.
Ikebana Flower Arranging Class – Shinsei Style-
Shumei America promotes Ikebana flower arrangement classes by certified instructors of Shinsei school. The Shinsei school of ikebana was developed in 1927 by founder Suidō Yamane.
This style abandons all traditional conventions of ikebana, and was developed with the assertion that “in addition to being an art, true ikebana is the flower in its free and natural state.”
Shumei America Tea ceremony -Mushanokouji-senke School-
Shumei America promotes Tea Ceremony of Mushanokouji-senke school. Mushanokouji is one of three tea ceremony schools descending from the 16th century monk Sennorikyu. Preparing tea in this ceremony means pouring all one’s attention into the predefined movements. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a bowl of tea from one’s heart.