Akaraku
Accessories
Inner box: White cedar
Inside lid: Inscription by Kakuzai Sōsa
Outer box: White paulownia, inscription by Kakuzai Sōsa
Inside lid: Inscription by Jakushin Sōsa
Provenance
Konoike family
Reference
Kusama Waraku, Meibutsu Zui (Illustrated Collection of Famous Tea Utensils), Taisho Meiki Kan (Illustrated Collection of Famous Utensils from the Taisho Era)
Dimensions
Height: 7.4-7.7 cm, Diameter: 11.0-2.0 cm, Foot diameter: 5.3 cm, Foot height: 0.7 cm, Weight: 300 g
Although the original inscription is “Niji” (rainbow), the name “Nijii” was likely given in reference to the three-tiered color scheme of red, white, and amber glaze, which is the highlight of this tea bowl.
This is a shallow tea bowl with an inward-curving rim forming a mountain path, a rounded body, and a rounded shape reminiscent of the style of Kōetsu.The base is red clay, and the raku mark is vividly stamped inside the foot. A translucent glaze is applied to the entire piece, and then amber and white glazes are applied separately, creating a stunning three-layered design inside and out. This technique of applying different glazes is extremely rare even in Nonkou’s work, and is reminiscent of old Satsuma ware.
Nonkou was a master not only in shaping but also in glazing, and this tea bowl is a representative example of his skill in decorative glazing.
