Kenzan Box
Brief Biography
A disciple of Shōō, also known as Hecchan. His pseudonym was Nyumokan. He was the nephew-in-law of Kurikara Dōsan and resided in Yamashina. He is often confused with Sakai’s Ichiro Kōji and Awata-guchi Zensuke due to a legend about him preparing tea using a hand-held kettle. He gained Hideyoshi’s attention by preparing tea under a vermilion sun umbrella at the Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony. Anecdotes describe him signaling the start of ordinary tea gatherings with drumbeats and even luring Rikyu into a pitfall. His eccentric reputation stems from such tales. Year of death unknown.
Tea Scoop
This scoop is entirely an antique piece, featuring a broad scoop tip and a handle set slightly lower.
It tapers toward the handle while widening at the base.
This form is characteristic of early Rikyū-period tea scoops, differing entirely in character from the Rikyū style—notably, the handle curves sharply above while projecting forward below.
Tube
This is a genuine antique tube, its cherry bark wrapping also indicating its age. The inscription of “Kan” and the signature are written in a style characteristic of the Tenshō era.
Accessories
Box: Paulownia wood, natural finish. Lid: Same wood. Lid lining: Inscription by Ogata Kenzan.
The inscription on the lid lining reads “Kan sashi yak Kenzan in” (Kan’s signature, Kenzan’s seal), with a vermilion seal below.
Publication
Three Hundred Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Chashaku
Length: 19.4 cm
Width: 0.5–1.15 cm
Thickness: 0.3 cm
Tube
Length: 23.7 cm
Diameter: 2.7 cm
Owner
Tokyo, Hatakeyama Memorial Museum
