Japanese Tea Ceremony at Cranbrook's Frank Lloyd Wright house

Japanese tea ceremony at Cranbrook's Frank Lloyd Wright Smith House

A Japanese tea ceremony fits seamlessly into Cranbrook’s Frank Lloyd Wright Smith House. Wright, famed for many unique designs including his Usonian homes for America’s middle class as well as grand commercial structures in Japan, left a legacy that bridged cultures. The Smith House in Bloomfield Hills reflects his signature American design while incorporating treasures from Tokyo, including fine china from the Imperial Hotel he built in the 1920s.

This weekend, daughter Rachel and I, took part in a Japanese tea ceremony event at the Smith House. I booked the tickets last month after I received a few emails from family and friends who felt this was something we'd need to attend. And, how right (or Wright!), they were. (A special thanks to Matt and Pam).

Rachel & Barb (owners of BTS) outside Smith House

Kevin A., Curator, giving tour

This weekend, my daughter Rachel and I attended a Japanese tea ceremony there. I had booked tickets last month after encouragement from family and friends who felt this was an event we needed to attend— and how right (or Wright!) they were. Special thanks to Matt and Pam.

It wasn’t our first tea ceremony; years ago Rachel and I observed one at the Detroit Institute of Arts. But this was our first time actively participating—sampling both the tea and the service.

Exterior of Smith House

Exterior of FLW Two Rivers home

The timing felt especially meaningful. Our son and daughter‑in‑law recently held their wedding reception at a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, and experienced a personal tea ceremony while visiting Japan in May (and yes, that wonderful couple brought me back some quality matcha and tea accoutrements).

Our tour began at the Cranbrook Institute of Science (once home to the bat house where Rachel worked in high school). Twenty visitors gathered in the lobby before boarding a yellow school bus for the short ride to the Smith House. Our guide was Kevin Adkisson, Curator at the Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. We’ve attended many of his lectures—always entertaining and informative.

China from Imperial Hotel in Japan

Large windows overlooking scenic grounds

Inside the Smith House, we settled onto the banquet seating in the living room. Rachel and I immediately noticed similarities to the Two Rivers home: low ceilings framing intimate spaces that open into higher, airy rooms, perfect for entertaining. Large windows overlook scenic water views, while bedrooms and the kitchen occupy a modest footprint—far from today’s sprawling suites and gourmet kitchens.

Rachel receiving matcha tea.

The “great room” of its time proved an ideal setting for the tea ceremony. The tea master and honored guest demonstrated the art of preparing, serving, and receiving tea, including the ceremonial cleansing of utensils and appreciation of the displayed art and serving pieces.

Matcha in pretty cup

Sweet treat served before matcha tea.

At the conclusion, practitioners in elegant kimonos presented each guest with a nerikiri (a delicate sweet) alongside a cup of freshly whisked matcha. Guests admired the designs on their teacups, mindful to turn the most beautiful side outward for all to enjoy.

It was a wonderful afternoon—an inspired blend of new interests (Frank Lloyd Wright) and old passions (tea). We highly recommend attending this event when Cranbrook offers it again.

A wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Four thumb's up from BTS.