Kobori Enshu

• Born: 1579
• Died: 1647/2/6
• Other Names: 小堀政一 / 正一 (Kobori Masakazu); 大有宗甫 (Daiyuu Sousuke)
• Japanese: 小堀遠州 (Kobori Enshuu)

Kobori Enshû was a prominent tea master of the early Edo period. He is known for his role in designing a number of famous tea gardens and temples.

He was born the son of Sengoku daimyô Kobori Masatsugu, in the village of Kobori in Ômi province (today the city of Nagahama). His mother was from the Isono clan.

Originally named Masakazu, Kobori was given the name Daiyû Sôsuke by Shun'oku Sôen of Daitoku-ji. He came to be called Enshû after being named Tôtômi no kami, Enshû being an alternate name for Tôtômi province. It is said he was granted this position after being asked by Tokugawa Ieyasu of which province he should like to be kami (governor), and requesting Tôtômi.

In 1604, he inherited land in Matsuyama, Bitchû province, and then in 1619 became lord of Komuro, in Ômi province.

References

• "Kobori Enshû." Asahi Nihon rekishi jinbutsu jiten 朝日日本歴史人物事典. Asahi Shimbun.