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Japan: Sen No Rikyu, 16th century Japanese Tea Master (1522-1591). Portrait by Tōhaku Hasegawa (1539-1610), calligraphy by Sōen Shunoku (1529-1611).

Japan: Sen No Rikyu, 16th century Japanese Tea Master (1522-1591). Portrait by Tōhaku Hasegawa (1539-1610), calligraphy by Sōen Shunoku (1529-1611).

Sen no Rikyū (千利休, 1522 - April 21, 1591, also known simply as Sen Rikyū), is considered the historical figure with the most profound influence on chanoyu (茶の湯), 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 Edo Period and the Muromachi Period, these aspects of the tea ceremony persist today.

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