Sen no Rikyū , also known simply as Rikyū, is considered the historical figure with the most profound influence on chanoyu, the Japanese "Way of Tea", particularly the tradition of wabi-cha. He was also the first to emphasize several key aspects of the ceremony, including rustic simplicity, directness of approach and honesty of self. Originating from the Sengoku period and the Azuchi–Momoyama period, these aspects of the tea ceremony persist. Rikyū is known by many names; for consistency, he will be referred to as Rikyū in this article.
Sen no Rikyū by Hasegawa Tōhaku
His chashitsu Tai-an at the Myōki-an, Kyoto
Suigetsu (Intoxicated by the Moon) paper hanging scroll for a tea ceremony by Sen no Rikyū, c. 1575
Flower vase Onkyoku, by Sen no Rikyū, 16th century
The Japanese tea ceremony is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (抹茶), powdered green tea, the procedure of which is called temae (点前).
Master Sen no Rikyū, who codified the way of tea (painting by Hasegawa Tōhaku)
An open tea house serving matcha (ippuku issen (一服一銭), right) and a peddler selling extracts (senjimono-uri (煎じ物売) left), illustration from Shichiju-ichiban shokunin utaawase (七十一番職人歌合), Muromachi period; Ippuku issen's monk clothing depicts the relationship between matcha culture, tea offerings, and Buddhism
One of the earliest surviving images of the formal serving of tea. Here monkeys, who were sacred to the shrine, imitate humans in a poetry competition that lasts all night. The monkeys try to stay awake by drinking strong green tea, but some have fallen asleep
Jo-an chashitsu (National Treasure)
