The tea ceremony played an important part in the life of Japanese samurai during this time period. It was a very formal affair and had specific rules and movements that were to be followed. Simple things like how to hold the sleeves of your Kimono and where you placed items were important and primarily came from needing to not knock over or spill anything during the ceremony. Eventually each movement become extremely defined and how you performed the ritual showed how refined and educated you were.
Each daiymo had his own tea house, usually in a quiet and secluded area of his compound or house. The house was arranged in a specific way, and visitors and host sat in a predetermine area, usually on cushions. The host prepared and served the tea, usually with little talk as the visitor observed his movements and methodology. After receiving the tea he would complement his host, or perhaps offer suggestions on new teas he had tried.
They would proceed to talk about other affairs in a relaxed setting, without fear of being overheard.
