Accessories
Box inscription, Inside lid inscription
Dimensions
Height: 14.3 cm
Mouth diameter: 5.0–11.0 cm
Body diameter: 7.1–12.7 cm
Width: 14.3 cm
Weight: 225 g
This incense container is renowned as an outstanding work among Ninsei’s creations, standing out among other incense containers for its size. As shown in the illustration, its posture—crouching while raising its head to gaze intently forward—is remarkably vivid, possessing an elegant and refined grace.
Covered in pure white glaze, the vividly colored red crown is accented by subtle glimpses of black feathers, likely representing one of Ninsei’s most satisfying creations.
A small seal is stamped on the base.
This piece was once used at a New Year’s tea gathering hosted by a renowned tea master. A replica was made and shared among fellow enthusiasts as a memento. The author recalls that during that tea gathering, the handling of the charcoal by the attendant was particularly thoughtful, becoming a topic of conversation among tea practitioners.
The inscription on the box is also old, dated the fifteenth year of Kyoho (1730). It reveals the heart of a cherishing collector, indicating it was once a treasured possession of a connoisseur.
