Tea Scoop
Though made of rustic bamboo, it possesses a lustrous sheen. Slender and short, it is used for wiping lacquer. The underside of the joint is deeply hollowed out, creating a pronounced hollow. In terms of shape, a noticeable warp to the left from below the joint is evident.
Case
Large kerabon seal at the mouth. Inscription “Hototogisu” in Rikyu’s handwriting. The chisel marks on the chamfered edges of the genuine case reveal a sharpness.
Accessories
Replacement case. Inscription by Kakukusai Ganso.
Inner box. Paulownia. Unlacquered.
Inside lid. Inscription by Kakukusai Ganso. “Rikyu Hototogisu Tea Scoop”
Inner box: Cedar, natural wood
Inside lid: Inscription by Rokkusai Sosai
Outer box: Cedar, natural wood
Certificate: Ancient calligraphy by Ryōon
Postscript
A refined inscription like “Hototogisu” on a Rikyu tea scoop is quite rare.
Featured in
Three Hundred Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 16.8 cm
Width: 0.4–0.8 cm
Thickness: 0.25 cm
Tube
Length: 21.5 cm
Diameter: 2.35 cm
Replacement Tube
Length: 21.5 cm
Diameter: 2.5 cm
