Ancient Seto Ware, Great Treasure
Accessories
Lid x1, Lid Box, White Paulownia Wood, Inscription, Written by Matsudaira Fumai
Four Covering Cloths
One Hand-Turned Ivory Covering Cloth, One Hand-Turned Covering Cloth with Dutch Stripes
Inner Box, White Paulownia Wood with Curtain-Style Lid
Outer Box, Tame-nuri Lacquer, with Simmered Black Locks
Provenance
Kuga Dainagon → Tsushima-no-kami → Osaka merchant Tomiki → Matsudaira Fumai
Recorded in
Kokun Meibutsu Ruishu, Meibutsu-ki by Matsudaira Fumai, Seto Toki Ransho, Fushimiya Kokusho, Osaki-sama Go-dogu Daigote-kō, Daien-an Chakai-ki
Dimensions
Height: 8.3cm Mouth Diameter: 2.9cm Body Diameter: 5.8cm Base Diameter: 2.9cm Weight: 95g
The author has seen this piece at the Unshū household. Though an ancient Seto tea caddy, its glaze, like that of Chinese wares, is finely melted and exhibits a refined coloration. Its shape, naturally flowing down to the base, creates a pleasing appearance.
Overall, it conveys a sense of smooth, settled harmony. While the body lines resemble those of Chinese tea caddies, they maintain the gentle balance characteristic of ancient Seto ware.
The cover bag is unusual, featuring a gold-and-silver brocade over a red ground with Chōraku-ji temple motifs.
