Akaraku, one of seven types of Nonkou
Accessories
Inner box: cedar, white wood, inscription by Kakuza Sō, inscription on the back of the lid by the same hand
Outer box: paulownia, white wood, inscription by Hisada Sōetsu, inscription on the back of the lid by the same hand
Accompanying letter by Rokusai Sō
Provenance
Hisada Sōzen – Funaki Sōkawa – Ogawa Jōmaru – Hisada Sōzen’s grandson Sōetsu (acquired through the mediation of Zen priest Tanryō of Saigunji Temple) – Omotesenke Ichimachi Mitsui family
Listed
Honchō Tōki Kōshō, Kansō Zatsuki, by Kusama Waraku; Chaki Meibutsu Zui, Taisho Meiki Kan
Dimensions
Height: 8.8–9.0 cm Mouth diameter: 11.9–12.2 cm Foot diameter: 5.8 cm Height: 0.6 cm Weight: 388 g
The name “Nue” comes from the original inscription by Genzo, and was likely named after the dark night of Minamoto no Yorimasa’s battle against the Nue, as suggested by the black brushstrokes on the front.
The base is red and unglazed, but its vibrant color suggests it was coated with yellow clay. The rim is slightly curved inward, forming a mountain path, and vertical and horizontal decorative grooves add variation to the form. One side features green glaze, while the front is boldly painted with black brushstrokes, creating an unexpected and daring design.The glaze is slightly transparent, revealing the bright red color underneath, and the glaze surface is covered with white unevenness. The foot is deeply cut, the base is flat, and the vermilion color has a yellowish tinge, with a raku mark stamped inside. The strong dancing brush strokes and the bright red, black, and green colors are characteristic of Nonkou’s style, which is well expressed in this flashy design.
