Sekishū Box
Brief Biography
Son of Gamo Kenshū, lord of Hino Castle in Gamo District, Ōmi Province; childhood name Tsuruchiyo. Recognized by Nobunaga, he studied tea under Rikyū. After subduing Kantō and Ōu, he was enfeoffed with 920,000 koku in Aizu.
He died of illness on February 7, 1595 (Bunroku 4), aged 40. One of the Seven Sages of Rikyū’s disciples, he sheltered Rikyū’s son, Shōan, after Rikyū’s execution, repaying his debt of gratitude.
Tea Scoop.
In a word, it is bold and unrestrained. Made from glossy jet-black bamboo, lacquered and polished, the scoop head features a magnificent, pre-emptive bend reminiscent of Enshū’s “Arima-yama,” with a high waist. From below the node, it traces a powerful, sweeping curve forward, while the section below the node is cut flush.
Tube
A thick cylinder with sesame-grain finish, grass-shaved with the skin left in the center, a bulging central weight, heavily chamfered, inscribed in Ujisato’s handwriting: “Me Ujisato”.
Accessories
Inner box: Paulownia, natural wood, label, separate wood inlay, inscription by Katagiri Sekishū: “Teascoop, made by Ujisato”.
Middle box: Paulownia, scraped lacquer finish, vermilion lacquer inscription.
“Made by Gamo Ujisato. Box inscription by Katagiri Sekishū. Same hand. Tea ceremony record included.”
Outer box: A so-called daimyō box with Hōan and Yanase Sansō labels. Seal. Ancient inscription by Ryōban.
Postscript
When speaking of Gamo Ujisato’s tea scoops, this single piece stands as the pinnacle of renown. Its weight and the exquisite craftsmanship of the Sekishū box make it indisputably the pinnacle of tea scoops. Originally treasured by Takahashi Hōan of Nagoya, it gained even greater renown after Matsunaga Mian acquired it for an extraordinary price.
Published in
Three Hundred Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 17.7 cm
Width: 0.6–1.1 cm
Thickness: 0.4 cm
Tube
Length: 20.1 cm
Width: 2.2 cm
Owner
Tokyo National Museum
Katagiri Sekishū Tea Ceremony Record
Opening Ceremony
Evening of the First Day of the Tenth Month
Tenshitsu Priest
Takimoto-bō
Keishūza
Mototate
Hoshino Sōi
Kama Arare Kettle
On the large lamp stand.
On the lower shelf: Two layered tea caddies, two donzu bags
Next: Rabbit incense box
Sumitori Fukube, Haibōroku brought out
Water poured from the Hidaka-style kettle.
Rooted tea.
After
On the tatami mat, a Shigaraki vase, two thin trays placed, flowers:
Sasanqua camellia, winter-blooming peony.
Water pitcher Shigaraki ware, tea caddy lowered.
Placed beside the water pitcher.
Hishi-yakushi placed on the lower shelf.
When preparing tea, the black tea bowl for pouring,
shikomi
is brought out. Tea scoop: Ujisato.
Water poured from the Hida-men-tsu, drawn straight.
After tea, the drawn straight is placed on the upper shelf of the hishi-yakushi.
Later, the desired corner is taken and arranged.
The study: Jikō-in, with the monk’s name hanging.
