Vintage Chashaku Tea Scoop, Sato Ikko, Nanshuji Temple, Rinzai Daitokuji School, Chashaku Name: Kiku Biyori, Matcha Bamboo Tea Scoop,
The Chashaku Tea Scoop was named “Kiku Biyori” by Sato Ikko.
Sato Ikko was born in 1911 in Susami, Wakayama Prefecture.
At the age of nine, he became a monk and spent 15 years as a monk-in-training at Myōshin-ji and Nanshuji temples.
Later, he became the chief priest of Shōunji Temple.
He later became chief priest of Ryukozan Nanshuji Temple of the Rinzai sect Daitokuji school in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.
The temple’s mountain name is Ryukozan, and its principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha. It is the family temple of the Miyoshi clan.
It is a temple where tea masters Takeno Jōō and Sen no Rikyū trained and contributed to the development of Sakai’s town culture.
The dry landscape garden, said to be created by Furuta Oribe, is designated as a national scenic spot.
“Kiku Biyori” evokes a pleasant autumn day when chrysanthemums are in bloom.
Chrysanthemums bloom in the autumn light as the season moves toward winter.
The chrysanthemum is a flower that blooms at the end of autumn and soon scatters. The feeling of cherishing its brief prime resonates with the Zen teaching of “Shogyo Mujo” (all things are transient).
The serenity of a “Kiku Biyori” day is also akin to the state of mind when one’s breathing becomes steady during Zazen meditation.
The clear air, tranquil autumn sunshine, and floral fragrance embodied in “Kiku Biyori” are deeply connected to the Zen vision of “Nehan Jakujo” (the peaceful stillness of Nirvana).
This Chashaku tea scoop has the warm, deep color characteristic of Susutake bamboo.
It comes with its original tube, Tomobako (original signed paulownia box), and original paper box with title.
The chashaku remains suitable for use in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Measurement
Chashaku
Width: 1.1cm / 0 7/16”
Length: 18.2cm / 7 11/64”
Weight: 2g
Tube
Width: 2.5cm / 0 63/64”
Length: 21.4cm / 8 27/64”
Height: 2.4cm / Approx. 15/16”
Weight: 41g
Box
Width: 4.8cm / 1 57/64”
Length: 23.8cm / 9 3/8”
Height: 4.0cm / 1 37/64”
Weight: 48g
Paper Box
Width: 5.8cm / 2 9/32”
Length: 25.0cm / 9 27/32”
Height: 5.3cm / 2 3/32”
Weight: 71g
Age: -2000s
Material: Bamboo
Color: Dark Brown
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Very lightly used)
* Original paulownia box
* Original tube
* Original paper box
* Retailer-provided information sheet
* Artist-provided information label affixed to the paper box
* Title
* Inscription
* No splits.
* Almost no discoloration on the tube or wooden box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Light discoloration on the paper box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Minor scratches or chips may be present on the tube, wooden box, or paper box.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
