Provenance
Masuda Family
Dimensions
Height: 2.1 cm
Inner Diameter: 9.3–9.5 cm
Outer Diameter: 10.3–10.7 cm
Weight: 127 g
In the old lunar calendar, on the day of the Boar in the tenth month, Genchō mochi rice cakes were made in the Imperial Court. These were bestowed by the Emperor and Empress and distributed. The wrapping paper used for these cakes was also called Genchō-bō.
This incense container replicates that shape.
Ninsei’s skill is truly remarkable, firing it so thin and perfectly square it resembles paper wrapping rather than pottery or ceramics. Covered entirely in white glaze, with colored water-drawn lines tied together from all four sides, a single ginkgo leaf is inserted in blue glaze, successfully evoking the elegant appearance of a high-class wrapped gift.
The interior glaze is entirely blue, bearing a small stamp on the base.
This incense container is truly a rare treasure, as evidenced by its former cherished possession by a distinguished lady of the tea ceremony.
