Revival Meibutsu
Accessories
Inner Box: Paulownia wood, white lacquer Inscription: By Kobori Enshu
Outer Box: Lid interior, inscription
Provenance
Kobori Enshu → Matsudaira Fumai
Recorded in
Unshu Zocho (Cloud Province Inventory)
Dimensions
Height (including lid): 5.0 cm
Mouth diameter: 5.5 cm
Body diameter: 6.8 cm
Base diameter: 4.0 cm
Weight: 105g
This incense container is believed to be called “Nine Corners” because the persimmon-glazed section on the lid’s front and the lower part of the body resemble nine corners.
It is a special masterpiece within the “Song Hu Lu,” once treasured by Enshū and later cherished by Matsudaira Fumai. It is also classified as a revived Meibutsu in the “Unshū Zōchō.” Its unparalleled form made it a prized rarity among tea masters.
The lid’s side features indigo arabesque patterns, while the body’s sides display floral motifs in a split-line design.
Within the “Song Hu Lu,” numerous items labeled ‘persimmon’ or “food basket” appear in the incense container rankings, but this box is considered a true masterpiece. The author has never seen another like it.
I once had the opportunity to see it at the Unshū Matsudaira residence. Upon examining Fuma’s purchase ledger at that time, I was startled to find it recorded as “Kansei era, 250 ryo; the lord himself valued it at 500 ryo.”
As noted in the box inscription, if it was passed from Enshū to Matsudaira Bizen-no-kami, one can imagine it was passed down through the hands of great connoisseurs.
Inner Box: Paulownia wood, natural finish. Inscription by Kobori Enshū.
Outer Box Lid Inscription
