Sōtan’s Postscript
Brief Biography
Son of Tennojiya Munetatsu, a wealthy merchant of Sakai, commonly known as Sukegoro, and father of Kogetsu Munenori. He learned the tea ceremony from his father and competed with Sen no Rikyū and Imai Sōkyū. He studied Zen under the monk Ōbayashi and later took the name Sōyū Sain. He served Hideyoshi, receiving a fief of 3,000 koku, and founded the Daitsuan temple, inviting Shun’oku Sōen as its founding priest. His household held many famous tea utensils; when Nobunaga conducted his famous “treasure hunt” in Sakai, he seized a confectionery painting from Munenori’s collection. At the Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony, tea utensils from Munenori’s collection took the top three places. He died on April 20, Tenshō 19 (1591).
Tea Scoop
As promised, a long scoop in the Shōō style with a segmented handle, finished with wiped lacquer. The protrusion before the stop joint is an unusual form.
Tube
An authentic antique tube with two silver rivets. The inscription “Kōyūsai” is superb.
On the back, Sōtan has stamped his seal and added the inscription “Made by Sōyū, Tōsai (signature seal).”
The inscriptions by Sōyoku and Sōtan harmonize well.
Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia wood, unpainted. Inscription: Tōsai Sōzaburō. Same on lid interior: Zuiyūsai Sōzaburō.
Accompanying note: Zuiyūsai Sōzaburō: “Undoubtedly the tea scoop and box made by Sōyoku, with Sōtan’s added inscription. No further explanation. March 2nd. Fushin-an, Sōzaburō (signature).”
Accompanying Note: Ryōryūsai Sōsatsu: “Sōetsu and Tsutsu Motohaku added notes, Suiyū added a note, box inscription by Tōsai, with a detailed inscription. Having examined it, it is an authentic tool. Please keep it in your treasured collection. No further explanation. Late Autumn, the 6th day. Fushiin Sōsatsu (signature).”
Accompanying Note: Greeting Letter from Fushiin to Sumiyama Sōsen
Listed
Three Hundred Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 18.8 cm
Width: 0.6–1.05 cm
Thickness: 0.3 cm
Tube
Length: 21.8 cm
Diameter: 2.8 cm
