Ichigen (Tamamizu I, bastard of Raku IV, ?-1722):
Height: 8.0 cm; Mouth diameter: 11.5–16.0 cm; Foot diameter: 5.5–6.0 cm
Ichigen was the illegitimate son of Ichinyu and, upon reaching adulthood, founded the Tamamizu-yaki style. He left behind outstanding works, including imitations of Kōetsu and Oribe styles, as well as tea bowls in the style of his father, Ichinyu. This tea bowl is one of his representative works; its design, featuring a “kutsu” (clog) shape with a constricted body, is so striking that at first glance it could be mistaken for an Oribe-style black piece. The powerful and spirited execution of the rim and footring attests to Ichigen’s extraordinary skill. A thick layer of jet-black glaze covers the surface, while white “snake and scorpion” glaze appears in places, deepening the bowl’s character.
