Total height: 6.3 cm; Rim diameter: 23.3 cm, 17.8 cm; Foot diameter: 8.5 cm–6.1 cm
Fushin-an
It is believed that the name “Shimadai tea bowl” originated from the fact that it was modeled after a Shimadai—a stand used to display stacked gold and silver tea bowls during celebratory occasions—and these bowls are primarily used for auspicious occasions such as New Year’s. This tea bowl, passed down through Fushin-an, is considered the original model of the Shimadai tea bowl, and was later imitated by Ryōnyū and Tan’nyū. Both the large and small bowls share the same design: the rim is sharply cut, and the interior features Ryōnyū’s distinctive swirling tea pool carved into the bowl. A thick, incised pattern encircles the outer rim, and the foot is shaped as a rounded hexagon. The glaze applied to the entire piece results in a vivid red Raku tea bowl with a translucent quality. Gold leaf has been applied to the interior of the upper bowl, and silver leaf to the lower bowl, creating a pleasing patina of gold and silver. Nagire has inscribed “Shimadai Tea Ware, Raku Nagire Seal” on the piece.
