Height: 7.4 cm; Mouth diameter: 10.1–10.4 cm; Foot diameter: 4.7 cm
A selection of seven fine tea bowls by Dōnyū, which were passed down to Kaga, is known as the “Nonkou Kaga Seven Varieties,” and this tea bowl is one of them. Perhaps due to its gentle appearance, the inside of the inner box lid bears the inscription “Kagu-yama Tea Bowl” written by Kosen Sōsa, while the inside of the outer box lid features an authentication by Rokurōsai reading: “Nonkou Black Tea Bowl, Inscription by Kosen Sōsa, Kagu-yama, Left (Seal).” This is an unusual style even for Dōnyū, and the form resembles “Niji” (Figs. 59, 60). It is crafted with a rich, rounded overall shape, featuring a low foot and shallow carving within the foot ring. Thus, within the Kaga Seven Varieties, pieces with intriguing, unconventional styles are preferred over typical examples. The overall thin construction and wide interior are unique to Dōnyū. While the black glaze is applied thickly over the entire body, leaving only the footring and its immediate surroundings exposed, even the area around the footring is covered with a thin layer of glaze rather than being left unglazed. The character “Raku” is clearly stamped inside the footring, and three marks remain on the base.
The form resembles Kōetsu’s “Kuichigai” and is one of the works influenced by Kōetsu. It has been passed down through the Kaga families of Miyatakeya Shōsai, Koshizawa Tahei, Hirasawa Kizaburō, Koshizawa Tasuke, and the Yokoyama family.
