Sen Family Meibutsu
Accessories
Hikiya: Chinese Import, Vermilion Lacquer, with Metal Fittings
Box, Label, Inscription
Accompanying Tray: Chinese Import, Vermilion Lacquer, Diamond Shape, Back in Blue Lacquer
Accompanying Document: From Sen Sōtan to Oda Yurakusai
Provenance
Oda Yurakusai ― Kennin-ji Temple ― Sen Family
Recorded in
Senke Meibutsu-ki
Dimensions
Height: 3.3 cm
Base Diameter: 6.8 cm
This incense container was once owned by Oda Yurakusai and later passed down to his family temple, Shōden-in at Kennin-ji. It comes with a lengthy letter from Sen Sōtan and is recorded in the Senke Meibutsu-ki.
It is likely the possession of a Chinese monk. On the lid surface, a Daruma seated on a single reed leaf is inlaid with blue mother-of-pearl. Furthermore, encircling the lid, the phrase “What is this one whole body?” is inscribed once around the circumference, also in blue mother-of-pearl.
Judging from the faded black lacquer, it may date to around the Yuan dynasty in China.
The accompanying tray is a Tang-style red-lacquered rhombus, with a blue lacquer reverse.
The author had the honor of seeing this incense container used at a tea gathering during the memorial service for Baron Sumitomo Shunsui’s late father in the early Taisho era. It differed in character from the usual blue-shell incense containers, and the author was deeply impressed by its overflowing Zen aesthetic.
Accompanying Note: Written by Sen Sōtan
I humbly respectfully submit that I may soon be able to make the journey to the capital, as is customary, and would like to offer a cup of tea.
I humbly received your esteemed letter of the 18th.
I am sending a messenger. As this is urgent, I have not written to your residence first, but instead respectfully submit this letter written in haste.
We are alone in this suspended hat, composing poetry, and our daily tasks are consumed by the morning and evening.
We humbly await your instructions. Regarding the incense box, though we heard of an opportunity beyond the usual channels, we neglected it through carelessness. If a hotei (Buddhist monk) could be sent to Priest Tenju, we would request it.
Due to circumstances requiring a trip to Kishu, we are unable to attend.
On the outer lid and the inner lid, we have inscribed the verse: “Who is this being, wholly immersed?”
All Daruma figures are made of blue shell.
Should any further requests arise, I shall promptly attend to them with diligence. I shall also send a follow-up letter. With deepest respect,
August 25th (Sōtan’s seal)
To Lord Yūraku of the Oda clan.
