During the late Edo period, Kanamori Tokusui—a senior retainer of the Iseda-Maru domain—and other tea masters of the time selected seven bowls from among the historically renowned Chōjirō tea bowls, following the example of the “Chōjirō Rikyu Seven Varieties.” These were designated as the “Chōjirō New Selection Seven Varieties.” These seven bowls are Kan’kyu (black), Muki-kuri (black), Hariya (black), Kaziori (black), Murasame (black), Tarobo (red), and Jirobo (red). The tea bowls shown in Figures 182 through 187 are six of the bowls that Kei-nyu copied from these seven, which were inscribed by Rokuro-sai and Kanamori Tokusui. Although all are copies of Chōjirō’s tea bowls, Kei’in’s artistic style is evident in the glaze, form, and construction of the footrings. Each is stamped with Kei’in’s middle seal, and the outer lids of their respective inner boxes bear inscriptions by Kanamori Tokusui on the front and by Rokkōsai on the back. Furthermore, on the front of the outer box lid, Kei’nyu has personally inscribed: “Genkōsha Rō’s New Selection: Copies of Chōjirō’s Work—New Set of Seven Tea Bowls, Raku Kichizaemon Seal.” Regarding these tea bowls, Rokkōsai wrote: “I have had the honor of viewing your esteemed letter. I am heartened to hear that you are in good health and wish you continued safety and well-being. I have promptly conveyed the following message to the craftsman: 1. I understand that you have commissioned the New Set of Seven Tea Bowls from Kichizaemon. As Shōō has confirmed the inscription on the reverse of the box lid, please ensure that all seven boxes are similarly confirmed. Furthermore, as Kichizaemon will provide the details, I will not elaborate further here. March 7, Rokkōsai, Genkō Gashu.”
