Accessories
Box lid lining label, inscription, Higashi Honganji temple seal
Provenance
Higashi Honganji Temple
Dimensions
Height 4.7 cm
Mouth diameter 3.8–4.5 cm
Body diameter 5.6–6.2 cm
Base diameter 2.5–3.0 cm
In incense container rankings, this piece is positioned as a high-ranking “kangaroo” (袋鼠). However, this name, likened to a pomegranate by tea masters, is actually unmistakably depicting a chestnut squirrel perched on a pomegranate fruit. The “kangaroo” designation seems entirely a tea master’s auspicious naming convention. In any case, it is a delightful name.
The size is particularly convenient, the shape is interesting, the glaze is thick, and it is exceptionally beautiful—these are the characteristics of this incense container. Tea masters praised it, saying it was worthy of the top three ranks. It likely possesses the finest glaze color of the so-called “Seven Officials” celadon.
The “Seven Officials” refers to the title of Ming Dynasty trade officials, derived from the official positions of those in charge of handling trade.
Incense boxes of this type are rare; the author recalls only three.
This one, certainly from the Higashi Honganji lineage, was offered at an auction at the Kikaku residence in the early Taisho era and is now in the collection of a connoisseur in the Kansai region.
Box lid lining label, inscription, Higashi Honganji collection seal
