Masterpiece
Accessories: Accompanied by a document, three copies
Provenance: Kyoto, Hikita Sōkan – Wakashū Sakai family
Recorded in: Fushimiya Memo, Taisho Meiki Kan
Dimensions
Height: 7.7 cm Mouth diameter: 8.5 cm Foot diameter: 5.9 cm Same height: 0.7 cm Weight: 220 g
This tea bowl was owned by the Kyoto tea master Hikita Sōkan of Daimonjiya, and is also known as the Daimonjiya tube. It was made in Korea and dates back to the late Goryeo period, making it one of the oldest Korean tea bowls in existence. During the Goryeo period in Korea, the most commonly produced tea bowls were those made of celadon, known as Goryeo celadon. Of course, it originally developed under the influence of Chinese celadon, but eventually, the technique of inlaying white and black clay into the base to create patterns, known as inlaid celadon, was developed. This tea bowl is one such example of inlaid celadon.
Among the inlaid patterns, flying clouds and cranes are commonly seen. This tea bowl features a large crane, which is why it is called a “cloud and crane tea bowl.” However, to distinguish it from later pieces like the standing crane, it is referred to as an “old cloud and crane” tea bowl. In old cloud and crane tea bowls, the cylindrical shape is highly valued, and when paired with the wooden sheath, this type is considered the finest.
