Dimensions
Height: 4.0cm
Body diameter 6.3-7.0cm
Bottom diameter 3.9-4.7cm
Weight: 100 g
The shape of this incense container is called “Matsubaki-rōshi,” which is a Japanese design, and this container was favored because of it.
It was made by order from the Kuresu kilns in China, and items that appear to have been made by order at the same time include a jyuri and a gingko, as well as an Arima brush favored by Enshu.
The shape of this incense container is very interesting, and the handiwork is well done, making it an object of admiration among tea masters. The design of the indigo gouzu painting shows a figure on the front of the lid, and sometimes the design is changed. The surrounding area is decorated with pictures of lumberjacks, and this pattern is uniformly depicted on all Kuresu Ai incense containers.
The title “Kikori Fisherman and Logger” was taken from Su Shi’s “Akakkobi-shi,” which describes how a fisherman or a lumberjack leaves his family’s prestige and becomes a civilian, and the figure on the front depicts the image of a nobleman.
When tea masters in Japan first acquired this painting, it was very well received and was treated with great value.
There are a considerable number of similar pieces that have been perfectly preserved.
Gosu Water Bird
Reference
