King Sho (Taiko number 6) was the last king of Okinawa. King Sho went to Tokyo in the year Meiji 12 (1878). He reluctantly gave up the Shuri castle and residence to the Emperor Meifi and the Japanese government. Ryukyu (Okinawa) had been an...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The "ears" on this fine mizusashi are fashioned in the shape of shrimp, which suggest a congratulatory theme. The work exhibits pleasing ash marks from the firing and the rich, toffee-colored (amegusuri) glaze which is a special attribute of the...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]
The original of this shape was owned by tea master Sen Rikyu (1522-1591) and passed on to his son-in-law, Mozuya Soan (d. 1594), by whose name it is known. It is accompanied by open rings (kan) with which the kettle is lifted and carried. Most...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Shigaraki pottery [lcsh]
The solid, sturdy form and rustic appearance of this mizusashi is typical of the work of the Shigaraki kilns. Its massive appearance provides a strong visual anchor in the tearoom and its subdued color and feeling are appropriate for a wide variety...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This chaire in the daikai shape is paired with a cover (shifuku) made of a beautiful donsu fabric featuring motifs of plum, cherry, and tortoise shell. Shifuku for this style of chaire are tied with a special knot designed to fall open with one...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Scoops [lcsh]
This chashaku, with its central node, is a classic example of the informal (so) style. It is accompanied by a silk brocade cover (fukuro) - part of a set of fabric covers (shifuku) designed for chabako. The brocade pattern is known as setsugekka...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This chawan is a classic example of Zeze ware originating from the Kagero-en kiln. The waisted shape is relatively formal, and the piece has been decorated with an abstract brown, black and yellow glaze typical of the genre. Zeze is known as one of...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Drinking vessels [lcsh]
This chawan is finished with a black Seto glaze that provides a feeling of formality and elegance. The chawan is accompanied by a paulownia box bearing calligraphy that describes its provenance.
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This Japanese-made chaire is intended to resemble a highly valued Chinese bunrin or apple-shaped tea caddy. It is paired with a cover (shifuku) of blue and gold sasazuru donsu, bearing the auspicious pine, bamboo, and plum motif which symbolizes...
Japanese tea ceremony [lcsh]; Tea making paraphernalia [lcsh]; Tea caddies [lcsh]
This small-sized (ko-hira) natsume was often used by its owner for chabako temae and is decorated with a wild orchid motif. It is very skillfully made, representing many hours of work on the part of the craftsperson. The natsume is accompanied here...
This square ceramic dish is perfectly suited for a serving dish during the kaiseki meal that accompanies a formal tea gathering (chaji). Fashioned in the Oribe style, with its distinctive green glaze and bold designs, it depicts a single flower in...
