Tea Scoop
This tea scoop was modeled by Fumai after one of the same inscription made in Enshū. The tea scoop’s appearance is intriguing; the insect damage at the knot stop was likened to stars, and drawing on the meaning of an old poem, it was inscribed “May Rain.”
Case
It retains its original leather cover. The inscription, written in a refreshing brushstroke, shows the sharpness of Fumai’s late-life calligraphy.
“Shimé Samidare The joy of finding a single star surpasses even the moon Samidare no sora Munenō (Signature) Made by”
Accessories
Box: Paulownia wood with white lacquer Inscription: “Self-made Chashaku” by Matsudaira Fumai
Inside Lid: Inscription in same hand
“Sōfu made, like a single star in the world, the old May rain, they say.”
Postscript
This tea scoop is a first-class piece by Fumai itself, but the box inscription is outstanding. The calligraphy of “Self-made Tea Scoop” is also unique, and the “Sōfu made, like a single star” on the inside lid is interesting. The addition of the haiku verse makes it even more intriguing.
Dimensions
Tea Scoop
Length: 17.9 cm
Width: 0.4–1.0 cm
Thickness: 0.25 cm
Tube
Length: 20.3 cm
Diameter: 2.3 cm
