Also known as “Old Pine Tree”
Famous item
Accessories
Box: Paulownia wood with spring celebration lacquer and inscription; lid with inscription and two corner seals by Hirase Ryuka
Provenance
Fuyuki Kihachiro—Satsuma-ya Soboku—Kyoto Mitsui family—Osaka Chikusa-ya Hirase family (Tenpo era)—Nagoya Tanaka family
Listed in “Taishō Meiki Kankō” (Catalogue of Famous Artifacts from the Taishō Era)
Dimensions
Height: 6.9–7.3 cm, Mouth diameter: 13.9–14.3 cm, Foot diameter: 5.8 cm, Height: 1.2 cm, Weight: 312 g
The nail-carved Iraho is named for the nail-carved swirls inside the foot. It is a rare piece, and among them, the Autumn Mountain, Saga Autumn, and Ryohiko are particularly outstanding, known as the “Three Nail-Carved Bowls.” Among these, the Autumn Mountain is said to be the finest in terms of craftsmanship. The name “Autumn Mountain” comes from the beautiful interplay of red and green hues in the glaze.It is inscribed with “Old Pine” by Masuda Don’o. The base is shaped like a mountain path with a beveled edge. The lower part is slightly flared and has two large side panels, adding variation to the form. The Iraho glaze is applied thinly, giving the overall surface a high luster, while the complex and subtle changes in the glaze’s blue and red hues exude a rich tea-drinking atmosphere.
The sand-mixed clay body has fine veins, and among the many stone inclusions, the one on the front is particularly prominent. The tea-stained area is beautifully reddish, and six dots are faintly visible. The high foot is sturdy and well-defined, and the nail carving is a highlight. Judging from the style, this is likely an early Edo-period piece from the vicinity of Busan, reflecting the preferences of tea connoisseurs.
