Takuan Sōhō (沢庵 宗彭)

Place: Izushi

Born: 1573

Death: 1645

Biography:

Takuan Sōhō (沢庵 宗彭, December 24, 1573 – January 27, 1645) was a Japanese Buddhist prelate during the Sengoku and early Edo Periods of Japanese history. He was a major figure in the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Noted for his calligraphy, poetry, tea ceremony, he is also popularly credited with the invention of the takuan pickled radish. Takuan was born into a family of farmers in the town of Izushi, located in what was called Tajima. He began his studies of Buddhism at the age of 10, studying the Jōdo school. He later became a major figure in the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Takuan was known for his calligraphy, poetry, tea ceremony, and is also popularly credited with the invention of the takuan pickled radish. Takuan died on January 27, 1645.