Meibutsu
Accessories: Box, black lacquered with gold-leaf lettering, accompanying document
Accompanying letter from Imai Sōkun to Matsuo Shū (Date Masamune)
Dimensions
Height: 16.5 cm, Width: 29.6 cm, Depth: 18.5 cm, Weight: 670 g
One of the Three Great Tea Bowls of the Realm. Its crescent shape exudes elegance, and the gold of the alloy is exquisite. Furthermore, the hanging chain has been attached since ancient times.
During the Azuchi period, it was owned by Awajiya Sōwa, a merchant of Sakai. It was passed down to his son, Nanbō Sōkei (Keishuzo), and subsequently to Rishuzo, but it is clear from Imai Sōkun’s accompanying letter that it later passed to the Date family during the era of Masamune.
This Awajiya-bune was acquired during the Taisho era through a major auction by the Date family and came into the possession of Mr. Tokushichi Nomura, a master of the Yabuuchi school of tea ceremony and a prominent figure in the Kansai business community. At the time of the auction, Mr. Tokushichi was traveling to Borneo on business, but through the arrangements of his younger brother, Jitsusaburo, he won the bid for this flower vase, which was presented to him as a welcome gift upon his return to Japan.
Accompanying Letter: Written by Imai Sōkun
This vessel is known as the Awajiya-bune; it is a Meibutsu that was also used as a loaned item. Since the loaned item was placed on both sides of the vessel, it is highly renowned. Lord Nobunaga confiscated it for one hundred gold coins. This vessel, known as the Awajiya-bune, has been in my possession since long ago. It was held by an elderly monk named Nanbo, and subsequently by his disciple, a monk named Rizo-shu. This monk’s name was also Nanbo; he once resided at Ikkyu’s temple and is now retired. The current Rizo-shu is the grandson of that monk.
August 5. The above. Sōkun (Seal)
Lord Matsuōshū
