Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia wood, with inscription by Hakusan Soichi.
Provenance
Osaka money changer and charcoal merchant, Hakusan Hikojiro—Fujita family.
Published
Fukiyose, Taisho Tea Ceremony Record, Taisho Famous Tea Utensils.
Dimensions
Height: 6.1–6.9 cm, Mouth diameter: 14.8–15.2 cm, Foot diameter: 5.04 cm, Same height: 1.2 cm, Weight: 275 g
The inscription “Un’i” was taken from the poem by Gonchūnaagon Mitsumune in the “Senchūshū” (Collection of a Thousand Poems) when it was owned by the Shirayama family, a money changer in Osaka. The poem reads, “When I look at the clear sky of Harima, the clouds resemble the clouds of Un’i.” This is likely a reference to the glaze pattern on the rim.
The bamboo-jointed high foot is somewhat large, and the body, which extends straight to the rim, has well-defined wheel marks, strong side ribs, and a sharp design. The glaze has the characteristic texture of Aoi-ido, with hints of persimmon color, creating a unique pattern on one side. The base is particularly notable for the vivid side ribs, and the glaze accumulation around the rim creates an exquisite pattern, adding further charm to this tea bowl. It has four eyes on the inside.
