first tea gathering in the traditional tea house in samurai museuM

A captivating journey into Japanese culture

led by the esteemed Atsuko Soto Isoyama-Osiander 磯山 宗都.

I had the honor of curating the very first Tea Gathering in the traditional tea house within the Samurai Museum. This Chashitsu by Karl Bengs has been an integral part of the museum since its opening, but until now, it served solely as an artifact – a silent exhibit for visitors to observe.

Thanks to the collector Peter Janssen and Museum Director Alexander Jöchl, I was entrusted with the unique opportunity to bring life to this space for the first time. It was a chance to honor its purpose and essence, transforming it from an admired object into a living, breathing cultural experience.

The gathering was a tremendous success, connecting tradition with a modern audience and allowing the tea house to fulfill its intended role as a place of reflection, harmony, and human connection. It was deeply rewarding to witness this transformation and to contribute to the evolution of how the museum engages with its visitors.

Atsuko Soto Isoyama-Osiander is a master of the Chado Urasenke School in Kyoto, where she dedicated 13 years to perfecting her craft before moving to Berlin. Today, she continues to practice and work as a tea master and consultant for Japanese tea, sharing her deep belief that tea is the elixir of life.

She still practices and works in Berlin as a tea master, and here she also works as a consultant for Japanese tea.

Kwok Ying von Beuningen

Originally from Hong Kong, Kwok Ying began her tea journey in 2006 after moving to Germany. With a deep connection to Chinese and Taiwanese teas and cultures, she focuses on flavor and experience, making her a true Tea Sommelier and curator for tea pairings at Oukan Dining.

For Kwok Ying, tea is her language, and she believes that tea has the power to open doors on both sides, creating connections and enriching experiences.