Tale of Genji incense holder by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 3.0cm Width: 5.0cm x 7.0cm

The "Genji Emaki Incense Container by Miyagawa Kosai" is a particularly elegant and beautiful piece among the incense containers used in the tea ceremony. An incense container is a container for holding incense used before the charcoal preparation in the tea ceremony. In modern times, when the charcoal preparation is often omitted, it is common for it to be displayed in the alcove. An incense container placed in the alcove reflects the taste and aesthetic sense of the host at the tea ceremony, and is also an object for guests to appreciate the host's taste. This "Genji Emaki Incense Container" is a masterpiece that truly embodies the host's aesthetic sense and historical design.

The Tale of Genji and the artistic significance of incense containers

Written in the 11th century during the Heian period by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady-in-waiting to Empress Shoshi, daughter of the regent Fujiwara no Michinaga, The Tale of Genji is a literary work that depicts the elegant and complex life of a Heian aristocrat, centering on the character of Hikaru Genji. This story is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese literature, and approximately 150 years after its creation, it was depicted in the "Genji Illustrated Scroll." The "Genji Illustrated Scroll," created in the 12th century, is one of Japan's oldest illustrated scrolls, featuring delicately rendered scenes selected from each of its 54 chapters. This incense holder, with its design faithfully recreating the atmosphere of the "Genji Illustrated Scroll," adds a touch of historical value and cultural depth to any tea ceremony or alcove display. The scenes from the Tale of Genji depicted in this work convey the elegant atmosphere of aristocratic society in the Heian period, captivating the viewer as they are drawn into the world of the story. In particular, the beauty and melancholy of the tale of Hikaru Genji are deeply expressed in the design of the incense container, elevating its value as a work of art rather than merely a tool.The notable appeal of this work is that it allows us to get a sense of the lives and emotions of Heian period aristocrats through the incense container.

Inheriting the history and techniques of Makuzu ware

Makuzu ware is one of Kyoto's leading schools of porcelain, supported by the long history of the Miyagawa family. For over 330 years, various techniques have been developed and passed down. The origins of Makuzu ware date back to the Jokyo era (1684-1687), when Yukan Miyagawa Kobee Masakazu established his residence in front of Chion-in Temple and began producing pottery. Throughout the generations, the Miyagawa family has encompassed traditional Kyoto porcelain techniques, including Ninsei and Kenzan porcelain, blue and white porcelain, iron painting, Kochi porcelain, and gold lining. However, they have also incorporated new styles in response to contemporary needs and aesthetic sensibilities. Miyagawa Kosai, in particular, has succeeded in further enhancing the beauty of Makuzu ware while inheriting the techniques cultivated by his successive generations of Kosai. This "Iroe Genji Emaki Incense Box" is a work that fully utilizes traditional Makuzu ware techniques, striking with its delicate overglaze painting and elegant designs evoking the elegance of the Heian period. By incorporating the theme of The Tale of Genji, the deep cultural background of classical literature is brought to life in the modern era, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. The small incense container is packed with hundreds of years of craftsmanship and history.

Incense holders as tea ceremony implements and their aesthetic value

As tea ceremony utensils, incense containers play an important role in tea ceremonies. When used in preparation for charcoal preparation, they add elegance to the atmosphere of the tea room, and the aroma of their incense adds a touch of elegance to the atmosphere. However, even when charcoal preparation is not performed, incense containers are displayed in the alcove, becoming part of the atmosphere of the tea ceremony. This "Genji Emaki Incense Container" symbolizes the aesthetic sense of the tea ceremony and shines with a special brilliance in the scenery of the tea room. Furthermore, this incense container is not only valuable as a tool, but also as a work of art. Its elegant colors express the fusion of Heian period literature and picture scrolls, deeply moving to the viewer. In addition to its practicality as an incense container, it is a work of art that can be appreciated as the seasons change and the theme of the tea ceremony, occupying a particularly high position among tea ceremony utensils.

The traditions of the Miyagawa family and the future of Makuzu ware

The Miyagawa family's history began in the Jokyo era and continued through the Edo period, the Meiji and Taisho periods, and the present day, producing pottery, primarily focused on tea ceremony and sencha tea utensils. In particular, under the fourth generation head of the family, Eiyo Kosai, Makuzu ware as a tea ceremony utensil was established, resulting in many pieces that embody the spirit of the tea ceremony. This "Genji Illustrated Incense Container" also follows the aesthetics of the tea ceremony while developing a unique expression based on the theme of the Tale of Genji. Today, Makuzu ware is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally, beloved by ceramic art enthusiasts in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China. Miyagawa Kosai's works are also held in the collections of many international institutions and art museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Permanent Mission of Japan to UNESCO in Paris, and the Japan Foundation, and are highly regarded worldwide. This "Genji Illustrated Incense Container" also has the potential to become a part of international collections, and its elegant and refined beauty will continue to captivate many people across the ages. This work is a work of art that combines history and art. The Tale of Genji picture scroll, which expresses the aristocratic culture of the Heian period, is beautifully combined with the techniques of Makuzu ware, which conveys this culture to the present day, making this incense holder highly valued not only as a tea ceremony utensil but also as a work of art. The craftsmanship and elegant design, which are incorporated into every detail of the incense holder, deeply reflect the spirit of the tea ceremony, and its beauty and depth will continue to inspire viewers forever. This incense holder is not only a family heirloom, but a masterpiece to be cherished for generations to come.

A conversation with Mr. Miyagawa Kosai