本体 胴径 ６ｃｍ 高さ ８．５ｃｍ
仕服 正絹
Here is the introduction of a tea container made by the Ryuki kiln.
A tea container, or chaire, is a small ceramic jar used in the tea ceremony to hold thick tea. It is typically accompanied by an ivory lid and dressed in a textile cover, often made of famous fabrics.
The term “Chūkō Meibutsu” refers to a classification of tea containers in the tea ceremony, ranking just below “Daimyōbutsu” and “Meibutsu” in prestige. These are often selected by Kobori Enshū, reflecting their esteemed position in the world of tea utensils.
According to “Chaki Bentō-shū,” such a tea container is so rare that it is said that no one has ever seen one like it before. It is noted that Kobori Enshū inscribed it with a poem, “Hirokawa no ike no omote ni mi wo nasite miru hito mo naki aki no yo no tsuki,” referring to the moon on an autumn night as reflected in the Hirokawa Pond.
The tea container passed from Kobori Enshū to Matsudaira Bizen-no-Kami, then through Tsuchiya Sagami-no-Kami Masanari and Kutsuki Ōmi-no-Kami Masatsuna, before eventually becoming part of the Sakai family collection in Himeji.
This piece is a typical example of Hirokawa ware, with a shoulder that flares out into a cone shape. Its slightly rough texture is covered with a high-gloss black-brown glaze that cascades broadly, giving it a distinctive form. While the inside of the ivory lid is usually covered with gold leaf, this tea container is uniquely adorned with silver leaf, making it quite rare.
The textile cover is made of pure silk and features a “kensaki donko” design.
Dimensions:
- Main body: Diameter 6 cm, Height 8.5 cm
- Textile cover: Pure silk
