9 1/2" (24 cm.) seated. Musha-ningyo (warrior doll) for the May 5th Boy's Day display depicting the influential 16th century tea master and political counselor Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), head and hands of wood covered in a fine white gofun with painted details, light blue shading around chin and upper lip showing virility, depicted with the shaved head of a Buddhist monk, wearing a rich purple chirimen silk kimono and striped hakama trousers with a silk brocade sleeveless vest with birodo black velvet trim, depicted kneeling in front of an array of tea utensils. Minor wear to textiles. Edo Period, 19th century. Exhibited Mingei International Museum (2005) and Fowler Museum (2022). Published in Ningyo: The Art of the Japanese Doll, pages 160-161; Steeped in History: The Art of Tea, page 89. Historically, Sen no Rikyu was a trusted advisor to the war lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536-1598) and held vast power during Hideyoshi's rule. He ultimately ran afoul of Hideyoshi who ordered the tea master to commit ritual suicide. In popular culture Rikyu enjoyed a resurgence as part of the "Hideyoshi Boom" experienced during the first half of the 19th century following the lapse of political restrictions regarding discussions and portrayals of Hideyoshi [see catalog 18].