17/12/2013

Kuroda Kanbei

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Kuroda Kanbei Yoshitaka 黒田官兵衛 孝高
(1546 - 1604)


source : www.suzukine.com

He is the hero of the NHK drama for 2014.
- Gunshi Kanbei - 軍師官兵衛  Kanbei, the Strategist 



source : m.sponichi.co.jp
Kanbei Daruma 官兵衛 だるま and Ayase Haruka 綾瀬はるか, heroine of the NHK drama of 2013.

I hope to find some more Daruma as 2014 begins.


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source : blog.goo.ne.jp/kuroda-bushi

黒田官兵衛の魅力 Exhibition about Kuroda Kanbei


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- quote
Yoshitaka was the son of Kuroda Mototaka, a samurai originally from Bizen who ended up in the service of the Odera of Harima. The Odera were in fact nominally vassals of the Akamatsu, whose power by 1570 had ebbed to such an extent that Akamatsu Yoshisuke was essentially living under the protection of the Odera at Himeji.



Mototaka took the name of his new lords and rose to become one of the Odera chief retainers and the holder of Himeji Castle. In 1576, Mototaka's son Yoshitaka noted the rise of the Oda clan, and urged Odera Masamoto to make a pact with Oda Nobunaga, who was presently at war with the Môri clan. It happened that Masamoto favored the Môri - as did many of the other clans of the region - and made no overtures to Nobunaga. Kuroda therefore contacted Hashiba [Toyotomi] Hideyoshi and managed to secure an audience with Nobunaga in Kyôto himself. Nobunaga, who had already ordered Hideyoshi and Akechi Mitsuhide to march west, was pleased at what proved to be enthusiastic support on Yoshitaka's part. Harima was critical to the campaign against the Môri - both to aid in the isolation of the Ishiyama Honganji and as the gateway to Bizen and Mimasaka. Himeji was at the time not particularly impressive, but it's surrender to the Oda forces would force the Odera to follow suit, as well as, of course, the Akamatsu. After Yoshitaka's father had been convinced, this was just what happened.
snip
Kuroda was a Christian, evidently thanks to Takayama Ukon, and was baptized with the name Dom Simeão. He had assisted Otomo as the latter was also a Christian, and had arranged for the rescue of the Jesuit Bungo mission when that province was being invaded by the Shimazu in 1584.
snip
Kuroda Kanbei was a gifted strategist and a man of some charisma, noted for his decency of character and loyalty to Hideyoshi. At the same time he was crafty and never hesitated to advance the cause of his family, although his frankness on that score made him all the more colorful and endearing.
- source : www.samurai-archives.com

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Kuroda Yoshitaka 黒田 孝高
(December 22, 1546 – April 19, 1604),
other name Kuroda Kanbei (黒田 官兵衛), was a Japanese daimyo of the late Sengoku through early Edo periods. Renowned as a man of great ambition, he was a chief strategist under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was a advisor to Hideyoshi.
snip
Yoshitaka made an attempt to conquer the region of Kyūshū during the Battle of Sekigahara, but this ended up in failure.
He became a monk and assumed the name of Josui. Josui and his son Nagamasa 長政 were awarded Chikuzen Province (now part of Fukuoka Prefecture) for their role in securing victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, thus commencing the history of the Fukuoka Domain.
After his son Nagamasa succeeded him, Yoshitaka died in 1604.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


Kuroda Josui 西日本人物誌 黒田如水



CLICK for more images.

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- quote
崇福寺 福岡 Sofukuji Temple Final Resting Place of the Kuroda Clan
NHK has announced it will air “Gunshi Kanbei” (Kanbei, the Strategist), a serial drama depicting Kanbei Kuroda, the founding father of Fukuoka, next year. Kanbei (aka Yoshitaka) was born in Himeji, Harima Province (now Hyogo Prefecture). Later, he became a monk and assumed the name of Josui. Josui and his son Nagamasa were awarded Chikuzen Province (now part of Fukuoka Prefecture) for their role in securing victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, thus commencing the history of the Fukuoka Domain.



The graves of Josui and Nagamasa are located at Sofukuji Temple in Chiyomachi, Hakata Ward. The spacious graveyard at the far end of the temple grounds is the final resting place for many of Hakata’s renowned merchants and politicians, but there are several large tombs in the area beyond the Tosuimon Gate—these are the graves of Josui, Nagamasa and four other feudal lords of Fukuoka.

Sofukuji Temple, which was built in 1240 in Dazaifu, was moved to its current location by Nagamasa in 1601 to serve as the family temple. The temple’s Sanmon Gate also has deep ties to the Kuroda Clan: it was originally the Honmaru Omote-Gomon Gate, or main gate, of Fukuoka Castle. The Karamon Gate was made from the remains of Najima Castle (in Higashi Ward), the first castle the Kuroda family built before erecting Fukuoka Castle.

In addition to these resplendent tombs, the temple grounds are also home to several Jizo statues, which are objects of worship for the general public. Local citizens come to pay their respects to the Jizo on a daily basis.
- source : fukuoka-now.com/feature


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- quote
NHK Taiga Drama 2014 to be Filmed in Fukuoka and Oita
It was announced the 2014 installment of taiga drama is to be filmed in Fukuoka and Oita! Taiga drama is the name NHK gives to its annual, year-long historical fiction television series broadcasted in Japan and worldwide.
The main character of the 2014 drama is Kanbei Kuroda, a Japanese daimyo of the late Sengoku through early Edo period. Renowned as a man of great ambition, Kuroda was the chief strategist under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and a commander of a samurai army of the Fukuoka Kuroda domain.
Filming will take place at many historical spots in Fukuoka and Oita, and it’s anticipated that the drama will be a great PR opportunity for Fukuoka to be showcased to the world. Positive economic impact is expected from the filming. So, it’s time to get a head start studying the history surrounding Kuroda Kanbei!
For starters, you can visit his tomb is in Sofukuji Temple, Fukuoka City.
- source : fukuoka-now.com/new

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- There will be a lot of regional souvenirs about Kanbei.
I will try and introduce some here, especially from Okayama.

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黒田官兵衛 五国巡り - 黒田サミット五都市連絡会








Digital souvenirs from 5 towns:


From Setouchi Bizen Fukuoka : a mug cup, senbei crackers and a clear file

From Okayama
備前:岡山県瀬戸内市 - JR長船駅
Ushimado 牛窓オリーブ園
Setouchi 瀬戸内市立美術館
Bizen Osafune 備前長船刀剣博物館
Bizen Fukuoka 備前福岡(妙興寺黒田家墓所)

and
Nagahama Town 長浜市「日本酒セット+醤油・ポン酢
Himeji Town 姫路市「ARAREコースター+黒田官兵衛 家紋コースター
. Nakatsu Town 中津市「くろかんくん巾着」 Kinchaku bags .



Fukuoka Town 福岡市「福岡を応援し隊 黒田かんべえくんグラス+麦焼酎 黒田八虎(福岡県産麦100%
Schnaps and a glass
- source : info.eki.sh/kurokan






Even toilet paper with the hero!


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source : capricorn09928.blog84.fc2.com

akai kabuto 赤兜 his red helmet - a - Kanbei da あ!官兵衛だ and a pun to
akanbee あっかんべー pulling a face to someone


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source : info.rurubu.travel/theme

Himeji and Kanbei  姫路の官兵衛



source : koukohaku.blogspot.jp

Harima and Kanbei 播磨の官兵衛


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source : www.pref.okayama.jp/chiji

Fukuoka Kanbei Kun ふきおか官兵衛くん

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source : 777hiroki777.blogspot.jp

Fukuoka started from here!

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source : www.clubohk.tv/blog/meitou

Bizen Fukuoka Tee Shirts

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source : www.city.himeji.lg.jp/koho/press/

Kanbei papermachee dolls from Himeji, made by 松尾隆, a papermachee doll maker family in the 5th generation 姫路はりこ.

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Collection of Kuroda Bushi 黒田武士 Samurai dolls from Hakata
- source : www.47club.jp/41M-00001


The history of the old Hakata dolls dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. It seems that when the Lord Kuroda Nagamasa built Fukuoka castle, Soshichi Masaki making ridge-end tiles for the castle developed his skills with forming and firing, and Masaki gave one of the figures he made to the head of the clan.
. Dolls from Hakata / 博多人形 .

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His son was Kuroda Nagamasa 黒田長政 , who was famous for his huge helmet with horns of a water buffalo.
It is said his wild attitude and the huge horns have become an inspiration for figure of Gozilla ゴジラ.


黒田長政の大水牛兜

Nagamasa was rather wild as a young samurai, but when his father Kanbei made him head of the family, he changed his ways and became a well-loved leader, caring for his subordinates, including his "brother" 後藤又兵衛 Saito Matabei.

Nagamasa build the town of Fukuoka, and encouraged the making of Hakata dolls as a local speciality.

A famous image of Nagamasa and 24 of his most devote subordinate samurai.


黒田二十四騎

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- Reference - Japanese 黒田官兵衛 孝高 -

- Reference - English -



The family crest shows wisterias, the flowers he saw when in prison and fighting death.
It gave him hope to stay alive.

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黒田忠之 Kuroda Tadayuki (1602 – 1654)

. Raifukuji 来福寺 Raifuku-Ji - Tokyo .
This temple was founded in 1630 by 法印宥専大和尚,
on behalf of 筑前福岡2代藩主 黒田忠之 Kuroda Tadayuki, second Daimyo of the Chikuzen Fukuoka Domain.
Tadayuki had called priest 宥専 from Mount Koyasan, where he had venerated the statue of Yakushi Nyorai, also named 里俗子安薬師 Rizoku Koyasu Yakushi.

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- #kurodakanbei -
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11/12/2013

Zhong You - Shiro

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Zhong You - Shiro 子路
(543 - 481)

One of the 10 most important disciples of Confucius.

- quote
Zhong You (Zilu)
Zhong You (仲由) was a native of Pian (卞) in Lu, and only nine years younger than Confucius. His courtesy names were Zilu (子路 - Shiro in Japanese) and Jilu (季路). At their first interview, Confucius asked him what he was fond of, and he replied, "My long sword."

Confucius said, "If to your present ability there were added the results of learning, you would be a very superior man."

"Of what advantage would learning be to me?" asked Zi-lu. "There is a bamboo on the southern hill, which is straight itself without being bent. If you cut it down and use it, you can send it through a rhinoceros's hide: what is the use of learning?"

"Yes", said Confucius; "but if you feather it and point it with steel, will it not penetrate more deeply?"

Zilu bowed twice, and said, "I will reverently receive your instructions."

Confucius later said, "From the time that I got You, bad words no more came to my ears."



Confucius admired Zilu for his courage, but was concerned that he might lack other virtues (such as good judgement) that would have balanced this courage, potentially turning Zilu's courage into a vice (Analects 5.7; see also 8.2, 17.8, and 17.23). After studying with him, Confucius later praised Zilu as his having exceptional administrative ability and being capable of handling duties of national importance (Analects 5.8). After completing his studies with Confucius, Zilu became chief magistrate of the district of Pu, where his administration commanded the warm commendations of Confucius. He died in Wei. His tablet is now the fourth, to the east, from those of the Assessors.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !

Confucius and his disciples
According to Sima Qian, Confucius said: "The disciples who received my instructions, and could themselves comprehend them, were seventy-seven individuals. They were all scholars of extraordinary ability." It was traditionally believed that Confucius had three thousand students, but that only seventy-two mastered what he taught.


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- quote
Zhòng Yóu (仲由) –
Another famous disciple for his military background, and for being a hot-head. Being only 9 years younger than Confucius, he sometimes quarreled with his teacher, but by and by became more refined, respectful and mature, and Confucius spoke very highly of him as a capable leader. Zhong You was tough under pressure, and well-disciplined.
Sadly he was killed in a rebellion in the state of Wei.
He is often called Zǐ​ Lù​ (子路) too.
- source : confucianism-at-a-glance




読書の月 - 子路 Reading in moonlight - Shiro
by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年

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- - - - - H A I K U - - - - -

月白き師走は子路が寝覚め哉
tsuki shiroki shiwasu wa Shiro ga nezame kana

Shiro wakes up
on a night in December
with a white moon . . .


Written in December 1686 貞亨3年.
The cut marker KANA is at the end of line 3.

. Matsuo Basho 松尾芭蕉 - Archives of the WKD .


shiwasu, the last lunar month of the year, now December

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- Reference - 子路 -

- Reference - English -


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. WKD : Confucius 孔夫子, Kung Tzu, Kung Fu / Sekiten 釈奠 .


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05/12/2013

Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela


- quote
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
(born 18 July 1918) is a South African anti-apartheid activist, revolutionary and politician who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, the first to be elected in a fully representative, multiracial election.

-
Praying for Nelson
He taught the world forgiveness
And we need him still

His administration focused on dismantling apartheid's legacy, and cutting racism, poverty and inequality. Politically a democratic socialist, he served as president of the African National Congress (ANC) political party from 1991 to 1997. Internationally, Mandela was the Secretary-General of the Non-Aligned Movement from 1998 to 1999.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


Poetry cannot block a bullet or still a sjambok,
but it can bear witness to brutality,
thereby cultivating a flower in a graveyard.


Praying for Nelson
He taught the world forgiveness
And we need him still


. Res John Burman, March 2013 .

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Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
(18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013)




Honoring Nelson Mandela.
"Morning mist in East Africa", Toshi Yoshida (1911-1995) - 1991.
source : Ukiyo-e & sumi-e facebook


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quote
Mandela's history in Japan
Former South African president Nelson Mandela visited Japan three times.
The first time was in October 1990 at the invitation of the Japanese government. This was 8 months after he was released from prison following more than 27 years behind bars.
His title then was the vice president of the African National Congress.

Mandela met the prime minister at the time, Toshiki Kaifu and other ruling and opposition party officials. He delivered a speech in the Diet, calling for Japan's support to abolish his country's apartheid policies.
About 30,000 people came to a meeting in Osaka. This prompted wider support for Mandela among Japanese people, leading to a greater anti-apartheid movement in Japan.

Mandela's second visit was in April 1991. He was invited as a guest speaker by the International Press Institute or IPI to a world meeting held in Kyoto.

His third visit was realized in July 1995, a year after he became president following the abolition of apartheid.

As a state guest, Mandela met the Emperor and the Empress. He also met with the then prime minister Tomiichi Murayama and expressed his gratitude for Japan's support for his country's nation-building efforts.
source : NHK world news



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- - - - - H A I K U - - - - -

le vieux lion sud-africain
a fermé les yeux
~ invaincu

the old south-african lion
has closed his eyes
~ undefeated

*
les sud-africains
ont perdu leur père
~ goodbye, Nelson

the people of South Africa
have lost their father
~ goodbye, Nelson


Roger Amade, December 5, 2013

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invisible,
this ghost haunts apartheid ...
Black Pimpernel


Pat Geyer

"Disguising himself as a chauffeur, Mandela travelled the country incognito, organising the ANC's new cell structure and a mass stay-at-home strike for 29 May.
Referred to as the "Black Pimpernel" in the press – a reference to Emma Orczy's 1905 novel The Scarlet Pimpernel – the police put out a warrant for his arrest."
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !




beyond life
he still encourages
all of us


Hideo Suzuki



bright star
the Great Leader's legacy
for mankind


Willie Bongky


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I wipe a tear
on hearing Mandela's demise-
late night news

speaker after speaker
eulogising Nelson Mandela-
rainy stadium

Mandela death-
chants of freedom songs
render the air





and these are the last of Mandela's demise.


church congregation-
Mandela's large portrait
smiles at them

Qunu Hills-
three copters carrying
three massive flags

the 21 gun salute
render the Qunu ai -
Mandela burial


Andrew Otinga, Kenya


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brightest star
just vanished from galaxy...
the dimmer sky


Amrao Gill


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02/12/2013

Sen Rikyu

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Sen Rikyuu, Sen Rikyū 千利休 Sen Rikyu, Sen no Rikyu 


quote
Sen Rikyū 千利休 
1522 - April 21, 1591 (some dates give March 28.)
陰暦二月二十八日 28th day of the 2nd lunar month



the historical figure with the most profound influence on chanoyu, the Japanese "Way of Tea", particularly the tradition of wabi-cha. Rikyū is known by many names; for convenience this article will refer to him as Rikyū throughout.

There are three iemoto (sōke), or "head houses" of the Japanese Way of Tea, that are directly descended from Rikyū:
the Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakōjisenke,
all three of which are dedicated to passing forward the teachings of their mutual family founder, Rikyū.
© More in the WIKIPEDIA !


If you have one pot
And can make your tea in it
That will do quite well.
How much does he lack himself
Who must have a lot of things?

When you hear the splash
Of the water drops that fall
Into the stone bowl
You will feel that all the dust
Of your mind is washed away.


Sen Rikyu



. WKD : Tea Ceremony Saijiki 茶道の歳時記 .

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- - - Look at a tea ceremony on his memorial day :
source : www.urasenke.or.jp/textm

Rikyuu Ki 利休忌 (りきゅうき) Rikyu Memorial Day
Sooeki Ki 宗易忌(そうえきき)
Rikyuu Ki 利久忌(りきゅうき)
kigo for mid-spring


we drink
green tea
with ceremony


- Shared by Pat Geyer -
Haiku Culture Magazine, 2013


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Sen Rikyu film--
a passing silhouette goes
with the subtitles


We watched a marvelous Film at the movie theatre hall. The movie was about a tea Master called Rikyu and his way of tea preparation, his life with his pupil(s) and his philosophies concerning "The way Of tea". If I can remember well, he attached "Tea" with simplicity and modesty until his death. Tea ceremony, we were told,is a ritual conducted even now.

Caleb Mutua, Kenya 2009


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rikyuubai 利休梅 "Rikyu plum"
..... 利久梅(りきゅうばい)
リキュウバイ - Exochorda racemosa
Pearlbush or Common Pearlbush, is a species of plant in the rose family.
plant kigo for early summer

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Matsuo Basho remembers Sen Rikyu and Sakai

口切に堺の庭ぞなつかしき
. kuchikiri ni Sakai no niwa zo natsukashiki .
kuchikiri ceremony


袖の色よごれて寒し濃鼠 
. sode no iro yogorete samushi koi nezumi .
in memoriam of the father of Senka, Basho's disciple 仙化が父追善


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Sen no Rikyu 千 利休, another famous tea master at the times of Shokado, used to serve his meals in a box in the form of a half-moon (hangetsu 半月).

CLICK for more half moon boxes

. Shookadoo 松花堂 Shokado "Pine Flower Pavillion" .


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Rikyuu meshi 利休めし rice cooked "a la Rikyu"
Rice is cooked with hoojicha tea, then dashi broth is added. Some green stems of rape (na no hana) are added as topping.
This is a typical dish of spring.



source : www.ginza-mikawaya.jp - with recipe
Rikyuu abe daikon 利休あへ大根り radish "a la Rikyu"
Flavored with cinamon and sesame.



Rikyuu tamago - Kurumi tamago 利休卵 / 胡桃卵 - eggs "a la Rikyu"
Simmered egg with ground sesame seeds (or ground walnut meat), flavored with soy sauce and sake.

. 100 Favorite Dishes of Edo 江戸料理百選 .

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Rikyu Rat Grey, Rikyuu nezu 利休鼠





quote
The Nature of Rikyu Grey
..... If one is going to name a certain sensation, formulate an outline of its features, trace its history or search for the origin of that sensation, it must inspire a profound sympathy yet awake a certain critical awareness. For me, such a sensation is "Rikyu grey." The sensation of Rikyu grey represents an aesthetic of an ambivalent or multiple meaning. My interest in it began seventeen years ago when, with a number of friends, I had started the Metabolism movement and developed a strong dissatisfaction with functional architecture.
Function as a criterion in architecture achieved many things, but it also resulted in the articulation and concretization of space.
In the process of providing rationally and clearly articulated spaces, the virtues of nebulous and undifferentiated space that naturally exist between demarcated areas was totally neglected. Spaces which might embrace tow or more meanings were eliminated in functional architecture.
A long philosophical essay :
source : KISHO KUROKAWA


RIKYU GREY AND THE ART OF AMBIGUITY

Read about this color and Japanese Architecture
by KISHO KUROKAWA
. WKD : The Color Gray and Haiku .


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Rediscovering Rikyu and the Beginnings of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

Stephen Mansfield



Herbert Plutschow’s “rediscovery” of the great tea master, Sen-no-Rikyu (1522-91), explores the complex relationship between politics and the arts during the final years of the Warring States era. The author is less interested in Rikyu’s achievements and legacy than why his suicide was the inevitable result of the collision of art, politics and ritual. In an object lesson on not mixing politics and aesthetics, Rikyu’s relations with the generalissimo Toyotomi Hideyoshi would prove disastrous. An admirer of Rikyu, Hideyoshi exploited the locations of teahouses as venues for secret political meetings, something that must have deeply unsettled the tea master.
Although the reasons remain largely unexplained, Plutschow comes as close as any writer to revealing the truth of Rikyu’s death: his position, it seems, his very authority and status, somehow represented a slight to the general, prompting him to order the master to commit seppuku (ritual disembowelment). With typical resignation, and a touch of studied disassociation, Rikyu’s death poem, not included in this book, reads:

Seventy years of life
Ha ha! And what a fuss!
With this sacred sword of mine
Both Buddhas and Patriarchs I kill.

- source : Japan Times, January 2016 -

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初霜や笑顔見世たる茶の聖
hatsu-shimo ya egao misetaru cha no hijiri

first frost --
a smile on the face
of the tea sage Rikyu

Tr. Chris Drake

This hokku was found among Issa's papers after he died (Collected Works 1.650), so its date of composition is unknown, though it is probably from late in his life. Issa uses an epithet (also pronounced chasei 茶聖) to evoke the most famous tea master in Japanese history, Sen no Rikyu (1522-91), who came to be regarded as a sage or wizard. (The term is sometimes translated tea saint, but the worldly Rikyu was not a typical saint.) Rikyu perfected a simple, bare style of tea ceremony that was held in small teahouses in gardens designed to suggest wild nature and carried out as a form of spiritual meditation.

His style of reclusive, Zen-influenced tea ceremony was also perfect for secret negotiations between warlords, and Rikyu overheard many top-secret conversations during his career. The shogun Hideyoshi trusted him and made him his official tea master, but for some reason, perhaps because of a paranoid belief that Rikyu considered himself greater than Hideyoshi, he ordered Rikyu to commit ritual suicide with a sword. Rikyu, living dangerously in a period when various warlords were struggling for power, was portrayed with a very dour look on his face, an expression he must have used when leading tea ceremonies for powerful warriors, but Issa evokes him in a private moment. The implication may be that Rikyu, a commoner who lived and worked in a warrior world, is smiling a rare smile.

It is natural for Rikyu to be smiling, because the appearance of frost indicates that the Way of Tea New Year's is near or has just arrived. The tea ceremony annual schedule began early in the 10th month on the first Day of the Wild Boar (around the middle of November). On this day in Japan all sorts of ovens, hearths, and fireplaces were lit for the first time amid celebrations and the eating of special foods such as boar-shaped rice cakes.

For tea masters, this was the day on which they lit a fire in the sunken hearth in an opening in the straw-mat floor of the tea house. From the 4th through 9th months they used charcoal braziers for heating (but not boiling) water for tea in iron teapots, but they preferred cold weather and sunken hearths. Soon after the hearth was lit, another important New Year's ceremony was held: large, tightly sealed jars of freshly plucked tea leaves from early in the summer were opened for the first time, and the leaves were ground into fine green powder to which not-quite-boiling water was added during the tea ceremony. This powdered tea was the most common form of tea used at tea ceremonies, and grinding the leaves was done with great care.

The first frost in the hokku indicates that the best season of the year for holding tea ceremonies has arrived, and Rikyu has reason to smile. He may also be smiling because the delicate frost will be walked through by his visitors to his morning tea ceremony, adding a dimension of ethereal beauty to the overall performance. There may also be some sort of historical reference to Rikyu's life in the hokku, but it's difficult to determine whether there is or not, since the date of the hokku is unknown.

Above is a famous portrait of Rikyu, a reproduction of which Issa could have seen. In contrast, the smile by the "tea sage" in the hokku is striking.

Chris Drake

. Kobayashi Issa 小林一茶 in Edo .



. Zen-Master Eisai 栄西禅師 (1141 - 1215) - Saint of Tea 茶の聖. .


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source : himawari6.blog14.fc2.com


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