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epa01974329 A wooden ladle for scooping water and a ceramic pot in the mizuya (preparation room) adjacent to the formal tea room in the traditional tea called Houenan in Kyoto, Japan, 25 November 2009. The art of tea was introduced to Japan from China in the 9th century and become a refined and formal Japanese tradition from the end of the 14th century under the influence of zen buddhism. Under the influence of Sen no Rikyu, a legendary tea master of the 16th century tea ceremony reached a high philosophical level, known as the Japanese 'Way of Tea.' The tea tradition has been a significant way to express and teach the refined art of Japanese hospitality. Rikyu's disciples created the present day three main schools of tea: the Urasenke, the Omotesenke, and the Mushakojisenke. EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN