Vintage Oribe Chaire Tea Caddy, Kawamoto Ryosho, Mimitsuki Chaire, Oribe ware, Unused,
Oribe ware is a type of Mino ware characterized by distinctive green glazes and varied forms. It developed under the influence of Furuta Oribe, a disciple of Sen no Rikyu.
Kawamoto Ryosho (1948–2004)
1948 Born in Shimane Prefecture
1978 After training at the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Training School, studied under Hayashi Hidehito
1982 Built the Sangetsu Kiln in Okute-chō, Mizunami City
1990 Constructed an “anagama” (wood-fired tunnel kiln) with the aim of reproducing early ceramic works
Member of the Mizunami Ceramic Art Association
January 2004 Passed away at the age of 55
About Mimitsuki Chaire (Tea Caddies with Ears)
The Chaki Bengyoku-shū, a compendium of tea utensils published in the Edo period, includes at its end tea caddies thought to have been produced later than Seto tea caddies.
Among these are Oribe tea caddies, and the text highlights the “tea caddy with ears” as the foremost characteristic feature of Oribe tea caddies.
At the time, tea caddies with ears were considered unconventional and reflected Furuta Oribe’s preference for unusual forms, often described as “mono-suki.”
The tea caddy with ears remains a characteristic form associated with Oribe ware. The Narumi Oribe Kiln Tea Caddy with Ears, known by the name “Gakibara” (Starving Demon’s Belly), in the collection of the Nomura Museum of Art in Kyoto, is celebrated as a distinguished “chūkō meibutsu” (a later-generation masterpiece).
About the Lid of the Tea Caddy
The lid of this tea caddy has black streaks.
These streaks are referred to as “su” (nest) or sometimes “mushikui” (worm-eaten), although they are neither caused by insects nor actual holes. Because these black marks resemble “nests,” such lids are called “subuta” (nest lids).
Sen no Rikyū regarded these black streaks as flaws and is said to have positioned the tea caddy with the “su” on the “katte-tsuke” side (to the host’s left, farther from the guest).
In contrast, his disciple Furuta Oribe viewed the marks as “scenery” and placed them on the “kyaku-tsuke” side (to the host’s right, nearer to the guest), so that they would be visible.
It is said that Rikyū was deeply impressed by Oribe’s aesthetic preference.
In tea practice, the “su” may be positioned on the guest side in reference to Oribe’s aesthetic preference.
We acquired it from a friend.
According to our friend, her family did not use the tea caddy.
There are no visible signs of use.
Measurement
Opening Diameter: 2.9cm / Approx. 1 9/64”
Body: 6.0cm / Approx. 2 23/64”
Height without lid: 8.9cm / Approx. 3 1/2”
Height: 9.5cm / Approx. 3 47/64”
Weight (Incl the Lid): 144g
Age: 2000-2004
Material: Pottery
Lid: Original Lid
Shifuku: Silk
Color: Oribe Green, Oribe White, Oribe Brown
Shape: Mimitsuki Chaire (Tea Caddies with Ears)
Shifuku pattern: Tsurugaoka Kanto
Shifuku cord: Normal length
Condition: Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. (Unused)
* Tomobako (original signed paulownia box)
* Original paper box
* Original lid
* Original shifuku.
* Retailer-provided information sheet
* Protective cloth
* Wooden nails on the box.
* No chips, cracks, scratches, or visible blemishes.
* Inscription (Refer to No. 9 photo)
* Almost no discoloration on the box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* Shifuku name written on the paper box. (Refer to No. 10 photo)
* The base of the piece comes into contact with surfaces, so minor contact marks may be present.
If you have any questions about the condition or would like additional photos, please contact us before purchasing.
