Three rectangular items with Japanese text and a portrait on a woven mat background
Vertical banner with traditional portrait and calligraphy on a woven mat background
Traditional Japanese illustration of a person in black robes on a woven mat background

Sen no Rikyū Death Poem Calligraphy | Tanzaku by Hashimoto Shōshō

$38.00

This elegant tanzaku (vertical calligraphy strip) features the famous death poem of Sen no Rikyū, the legendary tea master who shaped the spirit of Japanese tea ceremony.

The calligraphy reads Rikyū’s well-known final verse beginning with:

“Jinsei nanajū…”
(“Life of seventy years…”)

The calligraphy was written by Rev. Hashimoto Shōshō of Hōtoku Zenji Temple, accompanied by an ink painting of a seated portrait of Sen no Rikyū by Enkō.

In the world of chanoyu, the death poem of Rikyū is often displayed during Rikyū-ki, the memorial observance honoring the great tea master. This piece reflects the deep philosophy of wabi-cha—simplicity, impermanence, and spiritual clarity that Rikyū embodied.

A meaningful item for tea practitioners, collectors of Japanese calligraphy, or those who appreciate the cultural heritage of the tea ceremony.

Details

  • Format: Tanzaku (vertical calligraphy strip)

  • Calligraphy: Sen no Rikyū’s death poem (beginning “Jinsei nanajū…”)

  • Calligrapher: Rev. Hashimoto Shōshō, Hōtoku Zenji Temple

  • Painting: Seated portrait of Sen no Rikyū by Enkō

  • Category: Tea Ceremony / Japanese Calligraphy / Chanoyu Art

A refined piece connecting the viewer to over 400 years of tea ceremony history and philosophy.

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