Accessories: Box (unfinished paulownia wood), inscription by Kakukaku-sai Soza
Inscription on the underside of the lid by the same artist
Dimensions
Height: 28.5 cm; Mouth Diameter: 11.2–11.9 cm; Body Diameter: 12.2–12.7 cm; Width: 14.4 cm; Base Diameter: 12.8 cm; Weight: 2,850 g
Collection: Fujita Art Museum, Osaka
When this Juro-in was first exhibited at the Fujita Art Museum after the war, Osaka’s discerning tea masters unanimously expressed their admiration.
Its dimensions appeared slightly larger than previous Iga pieces. What is particularly unique is that the entire vessel, from the rim to the handles, is square in shape. The burn marks extend down to the lower seven-step mark, and the way the glass has melted gives it a truly fresh and vibrant appearance.
The name “Jurojin” derives from the shape of the drooping ears.
It is rare to find an Iga piece with the “Sen” box. While there is a Jurojin-marked Iga piece in the Hokuriku region with a “Senso” box, and the Nezu Museum also holds one from the “Unshu Zochō,” this Jurojin at the Fujita Museum of Art appears to be the finest in terms of craftsmanship.
