Kinkazan, Hirosawate, Meibutsu of the Middle Period
Accessories
Four Furoshiki
Hikiya, Inscription with Poem, by Kobori Gonjuro
Hikiya Lid, Flower-Patterned Gold Powder Character Design, Inscription by the Same Hand
Inner Box, Paulownia Wood with Iron-Knife Joinery, Carved Inscription, by Kobori Gonjuro
Outer Box, Paulownia Wood, Unpainted, Inscription on Lid Interior, by Kobori Sōyū
Provenance
Kobori Family
Recorded
List of Meibutsu Tea Containers
Dimensions
Height: 7.1cm, Mouth Diameter: 3.2cm, Foot Diameter: 4.4cm, Foot Height: 0.5cm, Weight: 131g
As a Hirosawa-style tea caddy owned by Kobori Enshū, the defining feature of this piece is its glaze, which appears particularly aged. While attributed to the Kinka-zan kiln, it may actually be an older firing.
Tradition holds there are two types. Regardless, it possesses the fine glaze characteristic of Hirosawa-de.
Enshū may have acquired pieces he deemed genuinely excellent, even if not immediately striking. Rumor also suggests he supplied all easily recognizable tea caddies to the discerning daimyō who desired them.
The shifuku (cover) is also a set of four, all expertly crafted by Hatsuki.
Inscription: Written by Kobori Gonjirō
Carved Inscription: Written by Kobori Gonjirō
