The Tea Ceremony

In the 7th month of 1585, Hideyoshi was nominated Kanpaku (regent to an adult emperor), and as part of the institution ceremonies, that 10th month he invited the emperor Ogimachi to a tea gathering. The records state that the event was in two parts. Firstly, Hideyoshi went to the Lesser Palace (the emperorÕs living quarters) and offered tea; secondly, they went to a removed pavilion and Rikyu served. It was at this moment that the teaman took the name Rikyu; his fame spread. The following year Hideyoshi went again to the palace to serve tea, and on that occasion he had a full set of implements, and a collapsible teahut, made of solid gold. The hut was three mats in size, and being collapsible, could be relocated anywhere. The hut was to be used again in the Great Kitano Tea Gathering of 1587. It was a bold statement of authority, but attracted criticism too. Some say it was RikyuÕs idea, although this is not certain.