Accessories: Box, faceted, inscription, gold leaf lettering, Momiji
Provenance: Ise Kuki family—Tokyo Goto Keita
Firing location: Mino Kiln
Dimensions
Height: 7.7–8.9 cm, Foot diameter: 5.8–6.0 cm, Mouth diameter: 13.2–14.0 cm, Same height: 0.7 cm, Weight: 480 g
Owner: Tokyo Goto Museum of Art
This piece is made by applying a mud paste of iron pigment called “oni-ita” (demon board) to a white clay body known as “nezumi-shino,” then scraping off the mud paste to reveal the white clay body below, forming a pattern, and finally applying a white glaze called “shino.” The areas where the white glaze is thickly applied turn mouse-gray, while the areas where it is thinly applied turn red.
Therefore, this piece, named “Mine Momiji,” as its name suggests, has a mouse-colored base with a subtle reddish hue. Please view this illustration with that in mind.
Although it is a large tea bowl with a diameter of 14 cm, its funnel-shaped waist gives it a more compact appearance.The rim features bold brushstrokes, and the body and interior are adorned with tortoise shell patterns and cypress fence-like designs, which are carved out, creating a very beautiful effect.
The glaze only extends to the waist, giving the impression that the lower part is made of a different, white clay.
The author has had the opportunity to enjoy tea from this tea bowl on multiple occasions, and it harmonizes well with matcha, offering a pleasant drinking experience.
