The powerful juxtaposition of the Tea House and the huge dry stone wall in Shoyoen, Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden serves as a reminder that the elaborate and refined Japanese Tea Ceremony was developed during a time of social upheaval, political intrigue and military conflict.
From the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century, powerful feudal lords, known as daimyo fought among each other for military supremacy. The daimyo ruled most of Japan from their vast, hereditary land holdings.
Three warlords are credited with unifying and bringing peace to Japan: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Oda Nobunaga was the most terrifying, ruthless and cunning of the three warriors.
As he conquered Japan, Oda Nobunaga amassed great wealth and built extensive gardens and opulent castles. These were great works of art and intimidating symbols of his power and prestige.
Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle was built to a revolutionary design. It had massive stone foundations. Azuchi Castle set the standard for subsequent Japanese Castles which are now famous for their huge wooden structures atop incredibly high stone walls.
The great dry stone wall next to the Tea House is of a similar design, albeit in miniature, to the castle walls built by Japanese war lords.
Sen no Rikyū who became famous for perfecting the Tea Ceremony and raising it to an art form, was the tea master and subject of Oda Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Oda Nobunaga used the Tea Ceremony as a way to talk politics and business. The Tea Ceremony is now used to promote peace and cultural understanding between Japan and other nations.
The enduring perfection of the Tea House next to a symbol of ancient defences – the stone wall – reinforces the peaceful message of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
By Ian McAlister and Karen Hagan