Accessories
Box: Paulownia wood, inscription by Matsudaira Fumai; same inscription on the underside of the lid, in the same hand.
Dimensions
Height: 6.8–7.5 cm; mouth diameter: 13.3–14.0 cm; foot diameter: 5.4 cm; height: 0.5 cm; weight: 285 g
Kōiraho refers to the glaze color, but the style is similar to that of ancient Iraho. The Lady’s Flower was owned by Fumai and is known as the finest example of the Kōiraho style. The inscription, which derives its name from the glaze color, is a poem by Fumai: “The Lady’s Flower this morning is even more beautiful than yesterday, with dewdrops like pearls on its leaves.”
The rim features the characteristic cut-back of Hon-te, and the peberra is exquisite, creating a striking focal point. The surface has fine lines and stone marks, and the glaze is thin and slightly weathered, giving it a rich tea-like quality. The interior has the traditional four sand marks, and the large stone in the center creates a striking scene.The foot is well-crafted, with the clay visible and shaped like a bamboo joint, while the interior is rounded and finished with a helmet-shaped rim and side handles. As expected of a piece owned by Fuma, both the form and the scenery are perfect, making it a truly outstanding tea bowl, elegant and full of refinement. The yellow irimono glaze also suggests that it was made in the same kiln and period as other irimono pieces.
