Height 8.2cm, mouth diameter 9.9cm, base diameter 5,5cm
On the back of the lid of the inner box of this tea bowl, there is an inscription by Ryoryosai, “Sojiyaki black tea bowl, Wahi no tomo Ryo-roi (flower stamp)”. It is not clear on what basis this tea bowl was designated as Sojiyaki. The shape of the tea bowl is based on the Rikyu style, and it is a quiet and gentle work. The height of the bowl is rather large, and the bowl is rounded. There are many other tea bowls exactly like this one that have been attributed to Chojiro. However, the glaze on the entire body is shiny and black. A part of the mouth is missing and has been repaired by Ryoiri in akaraku. It is interesting to note that on the back of the lid of another box, Ichiiri wrote “Black tea bowl by GENRAKU (Ichiiru Kukutsu)” on the back of the lid. What does Ichiiri mean by GENRAKU? Also, why did Ryōrōsai write “So-mi” on the back of the lid of the other box?
