Brief Biography
A man named Masakatsu, son of Katsuyuki, a retainer of the Oribe school. He served three generations: Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu. In his later years, he established the Sōshō-an hermitage within Daitoku-ji Temple in Shikino, Kyoto, using the names Sōshō-an, Sankō Sōka, and Nokuyōsai.
The collection of color paper scrolls bearing the name “Denkan” hung on the fusuma screens of Sakai Nansō-ji temple is known as the Sunshōan Color Paper Scrolls. Sunshōan is also known as a daimyō with refined tastes, using Oribe ware for his paving stones. He loved cats, and a portrait of his beloved cat exists by Tanyū.
He passed away on October 22, 1642 (Kan’ei 19), reportedly at the age of 73.
Chashaku (Teascoop)
Though made of white bamboo, the scoop shape shows no remarkable characteristics. Rather than the sturdiness typical of daimyo scoops, it possesses an air of refinement, suggesting it may be an early example of the Sekishū style.
Tsubo (Handle)
It is truly splendid. In terms of the tsubo’s magnificence, it is arguably on par with Sekishū’s “Ariake” and Enshū’s “Kuse Mai.” Particularly eye-catching is the placement of a knot at the upper two-thirds position; this knot has been carved down and inscribed with the single character “将” (shō), which is unusual. Around the lower six-tenths, the beautiful black mottled grain and the carving marks also radiate a unique brilliance.
Accessories
Box: Mulberry-covered lid; Title label; Paulownia inlay; Inscription: “Sakuma Chashaku” by Matsudaira Fumai
Deed of Transfer: Matsudaira Family
Recorded in
Unshū Warehouse Ledger (Sakuma Shōkan, Grade 3, 3 pieces) / 300 Selected Tea Scoops
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 17.1 cm
Width: 1.05 cm
Tube
Length: 20.0 cm
Diameter: 2.7 cm
