Postscript by Kōgetsu, Gifted by Shōjō Hōin, Meibutsu of Hachiman
Tea Scoop
Relatively large in size. Made from unusual bamboo, displaying a mottled pattern centered around the nodes.
Case
Roughly hewn, true-shaven case.
Front: Inscription by Kobori Enshū: “To Shōjō Hōin, the Reverend Monk”
Back: Inscription by Priest Gogetsu
“My Friend, One Bamboo Pole Still Views Dust, Mountain Flowers Friend Dry Remain” I Daily Tea-Drinking Yawn Child (Gogetsu)“
Accessories
Box: Paulownia, Unfinished Wood, Inscription: ”Tea Scoop”
Accompanying Letter: From Shōjō of Shōkadō to Kobori Enshū
Accompanying Letter: From Shōjō of Shōkadō to Tōshū of Kobori
Your gracious instructions have been received. I humbly report this matter.
I shall prepare accordingly and present my gratitude tomorrow. Please also convey my regards to the Reverend. Nothing further remains to be said.
With deepest respect,
The 14th day of the second month (Seal)
The jade tablet has been returned.
First, I humbly received the tea scoop. Truly, I am deeply grateful for this most gracious gift. Especially the bamboo, its unparalleled beauty is remarkable. I shall convey this to the tea caddy with utmost care. Truly, it feels as if a Sen fathoms of shadow stand before me, and I am filled with gratitude again and again.
I also humbly received the two feather brooms. These too are of unparalleled quality. My profound gratitude is beyond words. I have expressed my thanks in writing. Please understand my humble intentions. In this world of old frameworks and complex entanglements, it is difficult to find such a thing. Here, I am truly delighted. Receiving these two colors has refreshed me. No medicine could compare to this. I shall enjoy them in my quiet moments. Even my old friend could not compare to this bamboo. It is not merely a joy to clasp in my sleeves; I do not wish for my sleeves to be filled with it.
At the time of writing this letter, I am at the foot of the mountain. I am preparing to send you some gofun (white pigment) to be used on the mountain. I will send a messenger again.
On the fifteenth day of the coming month, I understand the Reverend will make his appearance. I should then come to attend upon him. However, the fifteenth is the day of the temple duties at Shinjitsu-ji, as is the custom, and I shall be unable to attend. I humbly request your gracious forgiveness. If this is indeed the case, I shall certainly come to offer my thanks. As for that matter of the crooked darkness, I shall still speak well of it to the Reverend.
Takimoto-bo
Lord of Enshu
