Sōtankitsune 宗旦狐

A tea ceremony legend that probably dates from the first half of the 17th century. An old fox, the story goes, lived in the precinct of Shōkokuji 相国寺 in Kyoto. In the autumn he would disguise as himself as the famous teamaster Sen Sōtan 千宗旦 (1578-1658) and often visit tea masters in neighborhoods to drink tea and eat cakes. Everyone enjoyed the tea master's company even though all knew he was really a fox. Thus, they called him "Sōtankitsune." The story demonstrates how well known Sōtan was in tea houses at that time.