History of Ceramics Podcast: Secrets of The Japanese Tea Ceremony

In 16th century Japan, a bowl of tea could get you killed. This episode traces the birth of the Ancient Japanese tea ceremony and the aesthetic of wabi-sabi, or the art of finding beauty in imperfection. Paul and Stephanie tell the story of tea master Sen no Rikyu, whose humble, handmade Raku bowls stood in defiance of warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's golden excess, in a tale of philosophy, political power, and two tea masters who paid for their art with their lives.

To see the pots Stephanie and Paul are discussing in this episode, be sure to switch to video in your podcast app.

Featured Artworks

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, by Kanō Mitsunobu, 1598, Public Domain

Sen No Rikyū, by Tōhaku Hasegawa,1595, Public Domain

Sen no Rikyū's Tai-an Teahouse, Kyoto, Japan, 1952

Black Raku ware tea bowl, late 16th century, The Smithsonian, CC0

Black Raku Tea Bowl, Named “Kaedegure” (Twilight by the Maples), attributed to Raku Cojiro, late 16th Century, The Met Collection, Public Domain

Furuta Oribe, c. 17th Century

Square Serving Dish with Bail Handle, late 16th century, Asia Society Museum, Public Domain

Sake Bottle (Tokkuri) with Decoration of Three-Leaf Arrowhead, Early 17th century, Public Domain