Transmitted by the Masuda Family
Brief Biography
Born in Izushi, Tajima Province, in 1573 (Tenshō 1). His secular name was Akiba Tsunenori. He entered the priesthood at age 10. Initially of the Jōdo sect, he later entered Zen, studying under Kisen and Hōchū. Entering Daitoku-ji, he changed his name to Sōhō. He subsequently resided at Nanshū-ji Temple in Sakai and Daitoku-ji Temple, where he was widely praised for his noble character. However, he was implicated in the so-called Purple Robe Incident and exiled to the mountains of Dewa Province for four years. Later, Shogun Iemitsu held Sawaki in high esteem and invited him to become the founding abbot of Tōkai-ji Temple in Shinagawa. In 1638 (Kan’ei 15), the Imperial Court conferred upon Sawaki the title of Kokushō (National Teacher), which he firmly declined. In his later years, he established Shun’u-an hermitage at Tōkaiji, adopting the monastic names Shun’ō and Boku’ō. He delighted in composing waka poetry and tea ceremonies, becoming a disciple of Enshū in the tea ceremony. He attained the state of tea and Zen as one taste, expounding the tea ceremony in his writings Fudōchi Shinmyōroku and Sawaki Osho Chaki Eka Shū. He passed away on the 11th day of the 12th month in the 2nd year of Shōhō (1645). He was 73 years old.
Tea Scoop
A plump and richly proportioned tea scoop. The scoop’s width is broad, and lacquer has been wiped off.
Tube
True tube with chamfered edges. Inscription by Sawaki Sōhō: “Shaka, in the realm of darkness.”
Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia wood, white. Inscription by Ikkei Sōetsu Osho: “Teaspoon of Master Sawaki”
Extreme Respect, Ancient Calligraphy by Ryōchū
Postscript
When owned by Masuda Don’ō, this renowned teaspoon was frequently used at the Eastern Capital Tea Gatherings.
Master Ikei was the 254th abbot of Daitoku-ji, founder of Kōgen-in, and transmitted the Sekishū-ryū from Fujibayashi Sōgen of the Sekishū-ryū, establishing the Ikei-ryū.
Featured in
Three Hundred Selected Chashaku
Dimensions
Chashaku
Length: 18.3 cm
Width: 0.6–1.1 cm
Thickness: 0.3 cm
Tube
Length: 20.8 cm
Diameter: 2.7 cm
