Takatori, Meibutsu of the Middle Period
Accessories
Lids: 2
Cover: 2
Hikiya Cover: Sarasa
Box: Paulownia, Black Lacquer with Gold and Silver Lettering, Inscription by Kobori Enshu
Provenance
Matsudaira Uenosuke – Hirase Family
Recorded in
Kokun Meibutsu Ruishu: Kushinroku, by Matsuyama Seika. Tsurezure no Tomo.
Dimensions
Height: 7.0 cm. Mouth diameter: 6.0 cm. Body diameter: 6.7 cm. Base diameter: 4.0 cm. Weight: 120 g.
Among the Takatori tea caddies favored by Enshū, the monkfish-shaped form is particularly rare. The kiln’s potter seems to have well grasped the intent, crafting it so splendidly. Unlike Chinese wares, it possesses a youthful charm within its meticulous workmanship. The glaze finish is notably austere, yet the masterpiece’s virtue likely lies in the scenery evoked by the waist cloak.Its indescribable craftsmanship must have deeply satisfied Enshū.
Enshū further demonstrated his care by pairing it with a soft, expertly made Chinese-style Donshu, specifically a lightning-patterned gold-inlaid Donshu cover, matching the one used by Arajō Donshu.
Originally owned by the Matsudaira family of Hirose, a branch domain of Matsue, it passed to the Hirase family of Osaka before coming into the hands of its current owner.
