Transmitted from Nishi Honganji Temple
Brief Biography
Kato Kiyomasa was born in Owari Nakamura in the fourth year of Eiroku (1561). His mother was a cousin of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s mother.
Highly praised as a military commander, he distinguished himself at Shizugatake and gained great renown for his military exploits during the second expedition to Korea. However, his reputation in the way of tea was not widely known.
However, given that he possessed a tea scoop like this and had a tea room built within Kumamoto Castle, he cannot be dismissed as entirely ignorant of the tea ceremony. In 1611 (Keichō 16), when Toyotomi Hideyori was welcomed to Nijō Castle, Kiyomasa served in his retinue but died shortly thereafter at the age of fifty.
Tea Scoop
The bold, martial feel of this scoop befits a warrior, allowing one to imagine Kiyomasa’s character.
Tube
A large tube inscribed with the bold characters “〆 Immortality Kiyomasa (signature seal)”. This calligraphy, pure Tenshō warrior spirit, is particularly outstanding in the signature seal. Even if there are some issues, this tube inscription is quite convincing.
Accessories
Box, label (Nishi Honganji)
Postscript
Nishi Honganji possessed rare tea scoops such as those bearing Oda Nobunaga’s and Peony and Pine motifs. While those sparked considerable debate, this Kiyomasa piece is beyond any such discussion.
Dimensions
Teascoop
Length: 18.5 cm
Width: 0.5–1.1 cm
Thickness: 0.25 cm
Tube
Length: 21.2 cm
Diameter: 3.7 cm
