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Sen RikyuFounder of the tea ceremony school, a true master
Country:
 Japan |
Content:
- Biography of Sen Rikyu
- Leading Master of the Tea Ceremony
- Philosophy of the Tea Ceremony
- Design Innovations and Tragic End
- Remorse and Legacy
Biography of Sen Rikyu
Early Life and TrainingSen Rikyu, the creator of the tea ceremony and a true master, was born in 1522 in the Japanese trading city of Sakai. His birth name was Isiro, and his father, Tanaka Yohei, owned a warehouse. From a young age, Isiro showed an interest in the tea ceremony and began studying the traditional style from true connoisseurs. He later went to a temple in northwest Kyoto, where he not only honed his existing knowledge but also began conducting his own research. It was during this time that he started calling himself Sen Soueki, and later, in honor of his grandfather, Sen-ami.
Leading Master of the Tea Ceremony
At the age of 58, Sen became the leading master of the tea ceremony under the political leader of Japan, Oda Nobunaga. After Nobunaga's assassination, Sen Rikyu was accepted by the next ruler, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In 1585, the great master of the tea ceremony was honored with a prestigious Buddhist title for his loyalty to Buddha and became known as Sen no Rikyu Koji. During this time, it became evident to many leading tea connoisseurs that Sen was the best.
Philosophy of the Tea Ceremony
According to Sen Rikyu, there are four essential qualities that characterize the tea ceremony: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. These qualities should also be present in the everyday life of any honorable person. Many of Sen's principles, rules, and ideas are still used in the authentic tea ceremony today. Some of these include limiting the number of participants to no more than five, washing the tea utensils in a separate room, having two entrances in the tea house – one for hosts and one for guests – and having a low doorway for guests to bow their heads upon entering.
Design Innovations and Tragic End
Sen Rikyu was an excellent aesthete who developed special tea utensils and introduced numerous design innovations. Unfortunately, he had a complicated relationship with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Despite being the advisor to Hideyoshi in matters concerning the tea ceremony and others, Sen's independent nature often clashed with the ruler's preferences. One day, after another outburst of anger, Hideyoshi ordered Sen to commit harakiri. Sen Rikyu performed the ritual suicide in his own home in Kyoto in 1591.
Remorse and Legacy
After the master's death, Hideyoshi deeply regretted the irreversible mistake he had made. He realized the immense value of Sen Rikyu's contributions and mourned the loss. Despite his tragic end, Sen Rikyu's legacy as the creator and master of the tea ceremony lives on, with his principles and teachings continuing to shape the practice to this day.
