Famous Artifact
Accessories
Grinder, Black Lacquer, Round
Outer Box, Paulownia White Wood, Inscription, Brushwork by Matsudaira Fumai
Provenance
Hosokawa Sansai → Matsudaira Fumai
Recorded in
Unshū Zōchō
Kokin Meibutsu Ruishū
Dimensions
Height: 3.0 cm
Mouth Diameter: 5.0 cm
Body Diameter: 8.6 cm
Base Diameter: 4.2–4.4 cm
Weight: 305 g
This incense container is flat and round, and tea practitioners liken its shape to a wisteria seed.
The overall black glaze is well-fused both inside and out, resulting in a smooth finish with a lustrous sheen. At the center of the lid’s surface, chrysanthemums and paulownia are depicted in gold painting. It is likely decorated with maki-e. This is inferred based on the painting technique.
Judging by the design, it may have been made for Lord Toyoharu’s personal use. It was owned by Hosokawa Sansai, and Matsudaira Fumai acquired it in Kyoto for one hundred ryo, as recorded in the ‘Unshū Zōchō’. Its inclusion in the ‘Kokin Meibutsu Ruijū’ confirms Fumai’s cherished possession of it.
The black-lacquered lathe-turned container is attributed to Morian, and the outer box bears Fumai’s inscription.
Another incense container of the same type exists, also with black lacquer and a biwa-shaped gold maki-e design, inscribed with the name “Asarashi.”
The author has not had the opportunity to see any other incense containers of this type besides these two.
Outer box: White paulownia wood; Inscription: Written by Matsudaira Fumai
Chrysanthemum and paulownia design; Lid underside: Body
