Accessories
Box made of paulownia wood with inscription by Motohiro Soh, accompanying document (one copy)
Provenance
Omotesenke—Katsuzo I Mitsui family
Listed in Taisho Meiki Kan
Dimensions
Height: 8.5-8.8 cm Mouth diameter: 12.5-13.0 cm Foot diameter: 6.0 cm Height: 0.5 cm Weight: 405 g
The author has never seen another tea bowl made in the Kise-to style other than this one.
It seems that tea bowls made in the Kise-to style were rare during the Rikyu and Oribe periods.
Today, most of the tea bowls referred to as yellow Seto and highly prized are actually part of a set of serving dishes. However, this tea bowl was originally made as a tea bowl, making it a rare and exceptional piece.
It is lacquered with a design by Sōzō, who inscribed “Asaina” on it, indicating that it was a piece he particularly favored.
The author had the opportunity to enjoy tea in this bowl on two or three occasions, and it harmonizes beautifully with the color of matcha. It is no wonder that tea masters find it delightful.
The bold and unconventional style of the bowl likely inspired the name “Asaina,” which may have been chosen in reference to Asahina Yoshihide. The mind of the tea master is indeed intriguing.
