Vintage Bamboo Pair Futaoki Lid Rest With Kao, Daitokuji Oubai-in Temple, Kobayashi Taigen, Nishiyama Sougen, A pair of Futaoki for Ro and Furo,
Kobayashi Taigen is the 20th abbot of Oubai-in, a sub-temple of Daitokuji.
He was born in 1938 in Houten, China, and was ordained at the age of six.
He graduated from Hanazono University in 1961 and trained at the Shokoku Temple meditation hall under Daitsu Rekido.
In 1975, he became the abbot of Oubai-in, a sub-temple of Daitokuji in Kyoto. He is also known for his calligraphy.
I once had the opportunity to meet Kobayashi Taigen Roshi at Oubai-in. Although he was already advanced in age, he had a dignified presence together with a modest manner and gentle smile. I had imagined a senior Zen priest to be rather austere, so his warmth left a strong impression on me. His calligraphy also seemed to reflect this way of living.
Oubai-in is a sub-temple of Daitokuji, one of the major Zen temples in Kyoto. It was founded in 1562 by Oda Nobunaga to honor his father, Oda Nobuhide. The temple contains tombs associated with Oda Nobunaga, Mouri Motonari, Mouri Takamoto, Kobayakawa Takakage, and Gamo Ujisato, figures connected with Japan’s Sengoku period.
The initial shaping of the bamboo was done by Nishiyama Sougen.
Nishiyama Sougen was a bamboo craftsman who made tea utensils for priests associated with Daitokuji, including Fujii Kaido, Fukumoto Sekio, and Kobayashi Taigen. He preferred to use bamboo from Sagano, Kyoto.
This pair of bamboo Futaoki for Ro and Furo bears Kao and shows natural Shiro Take colors and the character of the bamboo.
It comes with its Tomobako (original signed paulownia box).
The pair may be used in the Japanese tea ceremony, with one Futaoki for Ro and the other for Furo.
Measurement
Ro:
Width: 4.9cm-5.3cm / 1 59/64″-2 3/32″
Height: 5.6cm / 2 13/64″
Weight: 68g
Furo:
Width: 3.8cm-4.4cm / 1 1/2″-1 47/64″
Height: 5.6cm / 2 13/64″
Weight: 41g
Age: 1975-
Material (Futaoki): Bamboo
Bamboo artist: Nishiyama Sougen
Color: Buff, Brown, Dark Brown, Cork, Dark Ocher
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused or very lightly used)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
* Protective cloths
* Title
* Inscription
* No splits.
* No visible discoloration from use.
* Light discoloration and wood sap on the wooden box from long-term storage.
* Minor scratches may be visible on the Futaoki and wooden box.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
