Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia wood with white lacquer and inscription; Outer box: Mulberry wood with inscription by Masuda Don’o; Same inscription on the underside of the lid.
Provenance
Osaka Chikusa-ya Hira-se family – Owari Province, Yagi Ikkyo-an.
Dimensions
Height: 9.7–9.9 cm; Mouth diameter: 9.6–10.2 cm; Foot diameter: 6.0 cm; Height of foot: 0.8 cm; Weight: 485 g.
This tea bowl is so simple that it could be mistaken for one made by Rikyu himself. Its “wabi-sabi” aesthetic is strongly emphasized. Although it may seem a bit difficult to approach at first, it is indeed a fine piece.
As can be seen in the original color version, although it is a Seto black tea bowl, it is not black. This is because, although it is a “hikidashi-kuro” (pulled black), the glaze contains little iron, so it does not turn black.
Instead, it has a brownish hue. This monochromatic finish is common in tea bowls and is highly regarded by Rikyu.
Such pieces are referred to as “Rikyu Seto,” and this bowl is undoubtedly a first-class example of the style.
The shape is sleek and compact, the construction is well-crafted, and the technique of applying the glaze is exceptionally skillful.
