The Tea Ceremony

In about 1578, received NobunagaÕs authorisation to begin the practice of tea, and he engaged in some tea gathering. In 1581, he received a gift from Nobunaga of eight valuable tea wares, and his graceful letter of thanks is extant. The pieces made a big impression on him, and after NobunagaÕs death Hideyoshi took over the old warlordÕs tea masters, Imai Sokyu, Tsuda Sokyu and Sen Rikyu; he also employed five more, including Yamanoue Soji, and they are known as the ÔRulerÕs Eight TeamenÕ. New-style tea huts were built in conformity with RikyuÕs taste, as his power increased. There were many opportunities to experiment with styles and practices during lulls in fighting.
A huge tea event was held to celebrate HideyoshiÕs entry into Osaka Castle in 1583. Hermitage type tea huts were built. The following year, 29 formal tea sessions by famous masters were held, and in 1585 there was the great Daitoku-ji Tea Gathering; the next year again, Hideyoshi constructed a solid gold teahut for his Palace Tea Gathering. In the 10th month of 1587 was the epoch-making Great Kitano Tea Gathering.
After Hideyoshi enforced RikyuÕs suicide, he began to take a more personal lead in the field. He had a retirement sukiya pavilion constructed in Fushimi Castle, and the Waterfall Hall, and held gatherings there, but all reflect the Rikyu aesthetic. RikyuÕs thinking matured in the final ten years of his life while he was working for Hideyoshi, so it is not surprising his legacy should have been so strong.