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Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 – 1591) was a Japanese tea master who revolutionized the chanoyu, the "Way of Tea", by emphasizing simplicity, rustic aesthetics, and spiritual depth. His influence shaped the wabi-cha style, which remains central to the Japanese tea ceremony today.

Biography[]

Early life[]

A student of the Rinzai school, Sen no Rikyū rose in prominence and succeeded the likes of Nōami, Murata Shoko, and Takeno Jō'ō. Even in his own time he was renowned and well respected as a tea master.[1]

Teaching tea etiquette[]

In 1582, while in Sakai, Sen no Rikyū made the acquaintance of the Igan kunoichi Fujibayashi Naoe, who wished to learn the way of tea in order to infiltrate a ceremony hosted by Imai Sōkyū and assassinate a member of the Shinbakufu also in attendance. Naoe introduced herself to Rikyū as a merchant newly arrived in Sakai to trade and make connections.[2]

Accepting her words as truth, Rikyū taught Naoe tea etiquette, and also informed her that when meeting with Sōkyū a gift would be expected. He allowed Naoe to choose a gift from his collection, and she ultimately settled on a bamboo hishaku crafted by Shutoku. Before parting ways, Naoe thanked Rikyū for his wisdom and generosity, and he asked her to visit him again in the future if she had time.[2]

Seeking tea bowls[]

Later, Naoe met Rikyū in Kyoto and apologized for her earlier deception though he heeded no mind. He then informed Naoe that he was planning to open a tea house but needed some chadōgu (茶具, lit. "tea utensils"), specifically, tea bowls. Rikyū thus tasked Naoe with tracking down several unique tea sets for him, which the kunoichi eventually did, delivering the tea sets to him. To show his gratitude, Rikyū hosted a tea ceremony for Naoe and three of her friends,[3] and later began assisting Naoe's group as a scout.[4]

Appearances[]

References[]

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