Ukago Onishi Rakusai

Width: 3.8cm x 5.0cm Height: 4.8cm

U-kogo (U-kogo) by Rakusai Onishi

--A white rabbit leaping on the moon, auspicious sign in the palm of your hand--

1. Overview of the work

This rabbit-shaped incense holder was created by Yashiro Onishi Rakusai, a master craftsman of Akahada ware from Nara. Though it's a small piece, just over five centimeters in diameter, its plump body and round, red eyes are charming, and its two-part construction, consisting of a lid and a body, makes it practical for storing incense paste and aloeswood fragments. The soft luster of the milky white glaze, combined with the subtle pink color of the Akahada clay, creates a graceful masterpiece reminiscent of a snowy rabbit illuminated by moonlight.

2. Shape and design

3. Glaze tones and techniques

The elegant elegance of a milky white glaze <br data-start="638" data-end="641">A small amount of tin is added to a transparent glaze mainly made of feldspar, and it is made opaque by reduction firing at a slightly low temperature (1220-1230°C). The result is a silky matte finish that softens the light, giving it a texture reminiscent of rabbit fur.

Pale pink coloring <br data-start="750" data-end="753">The iron contained in the clay takes on a reddish hue through the reducing flame, creating a subtle cherry blossom-colored "hadaai" (skin texture) on the bridge of the nose, cheeks, and behind the ears. This is a unique feature of Akahada ware, and adds a sense of vitality and warmth.

Sculptural molding <br data-start="861" data-end="864">The outer shape is roughly carved by hand, and when the piece is half-dry, a bamboo spatula is used to carve out the ears, nose, mouth and toes, leaving soft undulations. After the lid body is cut, the mating surfaces are ground together to ensure airtightness while still being precise enough to open and close easily.

4. Cultural background of the rabbit motif

Since ancient times, rabbits have been depicted as pounding rice cakes in the Moon Palace, and have been popular as symbols of "the moon and rebirth," "leap forward," and "fertility ." In the Chinese zodiac, this is the Year of the Rabbit, and it is said to govern peace and gentleness. In the tea ceremony,

Moon-viewing tea ceremony (15th night and 13th night)

The first day of the rabbit (Hatsuuma) is auspicious for the beginning of spring

Yayoi seating before the Hinamatsuri

Rabbit incense holders have been widely used to celebrate the arrival of spring and the beauty of the moon, and have been treasured as tools to express wishes for success and good fortune to guests.

5. Examples of arrangements at tea ceremonies

6. Onishi Rakusai's ceramics philosophy

Onishi Rakusai believes in "bringing the history and auspiciousness of Nara to tea ceremony pottery in the palm of his hand," and actively uses deer, temple bells, and spires as motifs the changing seasons. In this piece, he makes use of the warmth of the Akahada clay, while skillfully expressing the fantasy of a rabbit floating in the moonlight through the contrast between the milky white glaze and pale pink. He has managed to combine the delicacy of a sculpture to be enjoyed in the palm of one's hand with the robustness of a tool.

The "Ukogo" incense container, with its delicate pinkish milky white glaze and charming design, is a masterpiece that evokes both the stillness of the moonlight and the budding of spring. When you open the lid, the incense smoke drifts past the tip of the rabbit's nose, like a white rabbit running through the mountains, leaving behind a rainbow-like current of air. Please use the rabbit in your hand to mark seasonal changes or auspicious occasions, and enjoy harmonious conversation with your guests.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi