During the feudal times of the Momoyama Period (1573-1615), samurai culture had come under the influence of the then growing Zen Buddhism. Buddhist art in the form of rock gardens, the tea ceremony and ikebana thus became an important part of samurai life.
This exhibition commemorates the 450th anniversary of the birth of samurai warlord Ueda Soko (1563-1650) who studied the tea ceremony under grand tea masters Sen no Rikyu and Oribe Furata, and who founded the Ueda Soko School.
In a show revealing both the warrior and artistic aspects of Ueda's life, Matsuya Ginza presents examples of Ueda's armor, tea-ceremony utensils and other historical artifacts. In addition, a replica Ueda Castle tearoom has been created so that visitors can appreciate the samurai lord's tea-ceremony philosophy; from Dec. 30 till Jan. 16.
Matsuya Ginza; (03) 3567-1211; Event square 8F, Matsuya Ginza, 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku; direct connection from Exit A12 of Ginza Station, Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines; 3-min. walk from Exit A8 of Higashi-ginza Station, Asakusa Line. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. ¥1,000. Closed Jan. 1. www.matsuya.com/m_ginza/exhib_gal.
