Famous item
Accessories: Inner box with Haruaki lacquer finish, black-painted edges, and inscription; outer box with inscription on the underside of the lid; brushwork by Toda Ryu-in
Provenance: Matsuo family of Kaga Province—Masuda Don’o
Recorded in: Tea Ceremony Miscellany, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s 300th Anniversary Grand Tea Ceremony Record, Meiji Tea Ceremony Record, and Taisho Tea Ceremony Record; Taisho Famous Tea Utensils Catalog
Dimensions
Height: 6.5–7.6 cm, Mouth diameter: 14.1–14.6 cm, Foot diameter: 5.1 cm, Height: 1.0 cm, Weight: 312 g
This tea bowl has a gentle, calm shape and is generously coated with a light green glaze, reminiscent of the fields and mountains in early spring. The name “Kasugano” probably comes from this. Originally passed down through the Kaga Matsuo family, it later became the property of Masuda Don’o. Along with the Seo and Takaya bowls, it is one of the three famous Edo-period Aoi-do tea bowls.
Shallow wheel marks run smoothly in several layers, and the carving on the side of the foot is not too deep. Despite its height, the foot is rounded, contrasting with the sharp lines of the Sakihaya style. The strong feldspar glaze is applied generously, so the blackness of the clay is barely visible, giving it a bright, smooth color. Due to the thickness of the glaze, bubbles have burst on the surface, creating white rings around them, giving it a unique appearance. The crackles on the inside and outside of the foot are fine, and the rim is high and imposing. Along the edge of the high stand, large glaze pools cluster together, creating an exceptionally charming and mysterious ambiance.
Inner box: Haru-kei lacquer, black finish, with inscription. Outer box: Lid interior with inscription, by Toda Ryukin.
