Engraved by Rikyū, Passed Down in the Kōnoike Family
Brief Biography
His original name was Shirōzaemon, later Sōjun. His pen name was Shōan. While some theories suggest he was the stepson of Rikyū’s second wife, Sōon, genealogically he was the second son who inherited the family headship. When his father was punished, he was implicated and entrusted to Kamo Ujisato in Aizu. He later revived the Sen family and received 500 koku of support from the Tokugawa shogunate. He died on September 7, Keicho 19 (1614), aged sixty-nine.
Tea Scoop
This is unusually thick for a Shōan piece. It may have been modified by Rikyū. The accompanying note is by Yamashina Sōfu, Shōan’s second son and Sōtan’s younger brother.
Tube
Made from grass shavings with the skin left on, showing a large groove on the back. While many of Rikyū Dōan’s tubes are true tubes, the appearance of grass tubes with the skin left on can be considered from around Shōan’s time. The inscription “Yase Shōan (signature)” is lacquered, but the character “矢” (ya, meaning arrow) appears as ‘先’ (saki, meaning first). While it could be considered an impromptu work done at a hot spring retreat, it is also possible that Sōfu or someone else repaired it later, pressed the ink with lacquer, causing the lacquer to run and form the “先” character.
Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia wood, natural finish, paper label, inscription
“Yase Rikyū Shōan Dual Authorship, Tube Shōan Inscription, Yamashina Sōfu Addendum”
Outer Box: Paulownia, Unfinished Wood, Paper Label, Inscription
“Sen Shōan’s son Sōtan’s younger brother, Yamashina Kaiya Sōfu, resides north of Yamashina Ōtsu Road.”
Two Addenda: From Yamashina Sōfu to Terao Yaemon, in Kakukakusai Gensō’s Handwriting
Included
Three Hundred Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 17.9 cm
Width: 0.5–0.95 cm
Thickness: 0.25 cm
Tube
Length: 20.6 cm
Diameter: 2.5 cm
Accompanying Letter: Written by Yamashina Sōhō
This tea scoop was given by Rikyū
to Shōan when he visited to see him
after Rikyū had gone to the hot springs
to treat his illness.
At that time, the bamboo
in the lodging was worn thin,
July 20th, Sōfu (signature)
To Lord Terao Yaemon
Accompanying Letter: Written by Kakukōsai Gansō
Both works by Rikyu and Shōan
Teascoop inscribed “Yase”
Yōkyōmai
Accompanied by. Tube made by Shōan.
Sōfu’s accompanying note: Nothing is amiss
with the item. Especially rare
these days, two such teascoops.
May they be treasured. With deepest respect.
Sen Sōza
Mid-February, Kakuzō (signature)
