Brief Biography
His given name was Hisahide; he was known as Hikozaemon. He entered the priesthood and took the name Sōkyū. Sōkyū resided in Sakai, engaged in commerce, and gained a reputation for wealth. He studied tea under Shōō, mastered its profound secrets, and eventually became Shōō’s son-in-law.
In 1579 (Tenshō 7), he was invited to serve tea to Oda Nobunaga. Later, he served Toyotomi Hideyoshi and held a fief of 2,000 koku.
Sen no Rikyū, Tsuda Sōyū, and Imai Sōkyū are called the Three Great Masters of the Realm; sometimes their son Sōkun is also included.
Tea Scoop
While tea scoops by his son, Imai Sōkun, are occasionally seen, those by Imai Sōkyū are extremely rare. The name “Ashi” (Reed) likely originated from the openwork beneath the knot, which resembles reeds.
Tube
A rare tube, likely a one-of-a-kind piece.
Shaped like a boat, it uses a stopper bamboo and bears the red lacquered inscription “Ashi” (Reed) in the master’s own hand, along with his seal.
Accessories
Box: Paulownia, unfinished wood
Inside Lid: Inscription by Kakukusai Ganso
Dimensions
Chashaku
Length: 17.9 cm
Width: 0.55–1.0 cm
Thickness: 0.3 cm
Tsubo
Length: 21.8 cm
Diameter: 2.5 cm
