Accessories: Box, paulownia wood, label, written by Kobori Gonshiro
Dimensions
Height: 8.5 cm, mouth diameter: 9.5–10.1 cm, body diameter: 10.4 cm, foot diameter: 8.0 cm, height: 0.9 cm, weight: 355 g
Among Satsuma-yaki tea bowls, this piece is highly prized as a masterpiece, but I personally do not care for it. The reason is that, as can be seen from the illustration, the technique is too complex, and the work gives off a somewhat rigid impression.
“Wabi-cha” refers to a tea bowl that is somewhat rustic, rough, yet dignified. In that sense, not only this tea bowl but also Satsuma ware in general is valued for the interesting patterns created by the glaze being applied in multiple layers. That is the highlight of Satsuma ware tea bowls. From that perspective, this is indeed a masterpiece.
The glaze also has a rich variety of colors, and the view from the inside and the center of the base are also excellent.
The inscription “Nonomiya” is said to refer to the torii gate of Nonomiya Shrine in Saga, Kyoto, which is made of natural wood without being carved, and the blackened color of the wood is said to be the inspiration for this tea bowl. It is indeed thought-provoking.
