The previous engraver presented this to His Excellency.
I have received your letter.
I humbly submit this.
I have been greatly indebted to you for your care at the imperial residence.
At your secondary residence as well, step by step
Your kindness has been profoundly felt.
Therefore, this Shōō tea scoop.
Long held by the same-named Kushiki
Now, on this occasion,
I present it. Please
Take a look. My heartfelt wish
Is to see your noble countenance.
Bows deeply.
August 16th
To Lady Ino
Please also kindly understand
that this is beyond expectation.
(Endorsement)
Mr. Kawai
Chisōin
The previous engraver presented this to His Excellency.
I have received your letter.
I humbly submit this.
I have been greatly indebted to you for your care at the imperial residence.
At your secondary residence as well, step by step
Your kindness has been profoundly felt.
Therefore, this Shōō tea scoop.
Long held by the same-named Kushiki
Now, on this occasion,
I present it. Please
Take a look. My heartfelt wish
Is to see your noble countenance.
Bows deeply.
August 16th
To Lady Ino
Please also kindly understand
that this is beyond expectation.
(Endorsement)
Mr. Kawai
Chisōin
Certified by Sōtan
Tea Scoop
No knots, a genuine tea scoop with a single hard grain running through it.
Case
It is an accompanying case because it bears Shōō’s signature seal at the mouth. Below that, in vermilion lacquer, it is certified with the inscription “Made by Shōō, Sōtan’s signature seal.”
Accessories
Box: Paulownia, unfinished wood. Inscription: Ryōryōsai Sōsatsu.
Inside Lid: Inscription: Zuiryūsai Sōsatsu.
Accompanying Letter: From Jōshinsai Sōsatsu to Kawai U.
Recorded in
Senke Meibutsu-ki (Record of Famous Tea Utensils of the Sen Family)
Dimensions
Chashaku (Tea Scoop)
Length: 19.5 cm
Width: 0.6–0.95 cm
Thickness: 0.3cm
Tube
Length: 22.7cm
Diameter: 2.2cm
Accompanying Letter (by Jōshin-sai Sōsatsu)
I hear that just now, after visiting Lord Kan’s residence, you made the trouble of visiting your residence three times. I am deeply grateful.
We are also deeply grateful for the increasing kindness shown to us at your residence and for our growing relationship.
Now, regarding the tea scoop you bestowed upon us, as we have long possessed one of the same name, we hereby present this one to you instead. We have sent it along; please take a look. I wish to convey my heartfelt sentiments to you in person.
Yours sincerely,
August 16th
I humbly request that you also convey my apologies and the circumstances to Lady Inoshishi. That is all.
(Endorsement)
To Mr. Kawai
Sen Sōen
