Shino tea bowl, hanging scroll by Kyushu painters, etc.

It is getting much warmer in my area. It is rather hot. The pleasant spring and fall feel short, and the hot summer and cold winter feel long. It is similar to the difficulties of life, isn't it? When you overcome them, you feel especially thankful. Although I was not able to obtain many items this time, we did obtain warm tea bowls and refined hanging scrolls, so we would like to introduce them to you.

Portable tea ceremony chest Box "Tanzaku Bako"

This is a set of tea utensils called a Tanzaku box. It contains almost everything except for the kama (Kettle) needed for a tea ceremony. The contents include Kensui, Mizusashi, Tea bowl, tea caddy, Futaoki (lid rest), ladle, etc. The reason why this set is so compact is that it can be taken outside. In other words, it is for "Nodate" (outdoor tea ceremonies). You may have an image that tea ceremonies are held in a tea room, but on a fine day or in the pleasant season of spring or fall, you can enjoy the fresh air outside, smell the trees and flowers, and enjoy the greenery of the mountains. It is very refreshing. The origin of this activity dates back to the Sengoku period (Warring States Period). It was practiced during war expeditions and breaks from hunting. It may have been useful to take a break from the daily routine and to adjust one's spirit. The same colors are used except for the tea caddy, giving it a calm atmosphere. It is also in good condition. Doing something different once in a while is a refreshing change of pace.

Beni Shino ware Tea Bowl

This soft-looking tea bowl is Shino ware. You can see it looks slightly red and pink. That is Beni-Shino. It is elegant while feeling warm. There is also warmth in the texture when you hold it in your hand. Shino ware is a type of Mino ware. This tea bowl was made by 創陶園 Sotoen, a Mino ware studio located in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture. You can experience pottery making at Sotoen.　

Kakashi (Scarecrow) Kiln Tea Bowl

A white glaze is used from the top to the middle on a rustic base. Dripping green glaze is visible. It is stylish and warm.

A greenish puddle is also visible at the bottom of the inside. It is reminiscent of glass, like a candy ball. It is a playful and very beautiful decoration. It looks like it would be suitable for summer. The name "Scarecrow Kiln" is also interesting. Scarecrow Kiln is located on Notojima Island in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is located in a beautiful landscape with the sea in the background. http://www.kakasigama.com/
This kiln is designed to convey a rustic taste and to be in harmony with nature. I would like to visit there at least once.

Nukina Kaioku (1778-1863) Sansui Landscape

A simple landscape painting in ink. The artist is Nukina Kaioku. He was a Confucianist, calligrapher, and painter of the late Edo period. Also known as Suou. He was one of the "Great Three Calligraphers of the Late Edo Period". He learned calligraphy from Nishi Nobuyuki (1750-1812) and painting from Yano Norihiro of the Kano school. Later he studied under Tetsuo Somon in Nagasaki. He went to Koyasan (Mt. Koya) and was fascinated by Kukai's calligraphy, and thereafter traveled to various places to study calligraphy and painting.

Hoashi Kyou (1810-1884) Orchid on cliff

This painting is also depicted in ink. The artist is Hoashi Kyou.
He was a literary painter of the late Edo and Meiji periods. He was a senior disciple of Tanomura Chikuden (1777-1835). He studied under Tanomura Chikuden and Uragami Shunkin (1779-1846) and later moved to Kyoto where he interacted with many literati and formed his own style of painting. He was also friends with Takahashi Sohei (1804-1835) and Rai Sanyo (1781-1832). He traveled throughout Kyushu and discussed painting with Tetsuo Somon (1791-1872) and Kinoshita Itsuun (1800-1866) in Nagasaki. He excelled in landscape painting. During the Koka period (1844-48), he was commissioned by the Imperial Court to produce paintings, and in 1872 he exhibited his works at the World Exposition in Vienna.

Suzuki Shonen (1848-1918) Sencha teacups and magnolia flowers in vase

Interesting combination. It seems to represent a scene of admiring flowers over a cup of tea. The artist is Suzuki Shonen. He was a Japanese painter of the Meiji and Taisho periods. Eldest son of Suzuki Hyakunen (1828-1891). He studied painting under his father from an early age. He was the first master of the female painter Uemura Shoen (1875-1949). Specialized in landscapes, flowers and birds, and portraits in a vigorous and robust style, and was called the second coming of Soga Shohaku. It is well known that he had constant quarrels with competing painters of the same period. Especially he did not get along with Kono Bairei (1844-1895). But actually, the real thing might be opposite. This is because when Kono Bairei passed away, it was Shonen who was the first to visit to offer his condolences.

Daitoku-ji Hasegawa Kanshu "山水有清音 Sansui seionni ari"

This is a Zen word by Hasegawa Kanshu, former chief priest of Sangenin of the Daitokuji School. 山水有清音 Sansui seionni ari, 山水 means mountain and water, 有 means to be, 清音 means clear sound. In short, nature is full of clear sounds that make us comfortable. This word celebrates the beauty of nature as it is. It is good to stop once in a while and feel nature away from the hustle and bustle of the world.