Case Inscription: Hosokawa Sansai
Brief Biography
His surname was Araki. A native of Sakai’s Hatsumatsu district, he was a leather merchant. His family home faced north, hence the surname.
He received tea training from Kūkai, passed it on to Rikyū, and became the master after Shōō’s death.
He studied Zen under the founding master of Nanshu-ji Temple, Daibayashi Osho, and became his patron. He was the father-in-law of the renowned physician, Iryōin En.
He passed away on the 18th day of the first month of Eiroku 5 (1562), at the age of 58.
Tea Scoop
I know of about three Dōchin tea scoops, all large, medium-sectioned Rikyū-style pieces.
Case
It is interesting that a genuine, old-style tube, finely carved, bears an inscription by Hosokawa Sansai reading “Dōchin sashi yakuyoshi.”
Given that this Sansai is preserved at his family temple, Kōtōin, this inscription is reliable.
Accessories
Replacement tube Inscription Written by Kōtōin Shōhō
“Dōchin sashi yakuyoshi”
Box Paulownia Unfinished wood Same inscription on inside of lid in the same hand
Dimensions
Chashaku (tea scoop)
Length: 17.8 cm
Width: 0.6 cm
Thickness: 0.3 cm
Tube
Length: 20.9 cm
Diameter: 2.4 cm
Owner
Kyoto, Kōtō-in Temple
