Takeno Jōō

Takeno Jōō (1508–1552) was a influential Japanese tea master during the Muromachi period, renowned for refining the Japanese tea ceremony. He emphasized simplicity, naturalness, and harmony, advocating for a more understated and spiritual approach to tea preparation and consumption. Jōō's teachings helped shift the tea ceremony towards a more Zen-influenced, meditative practice, emphasizing inner calm and appreciation of natural beauty. His influence shaped later tea masters, including Sen no Rikyū, and contributed significantly to the development of Japan’s traditional tea culture.