Eboshi incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.7cm x 4.4cm Height: 5.5cm

Eboshi incense holder (made by Onishi Rakusai)

--A blue iron microcosm that reflects the elegance of the Heian period in the palm of your hand--

1. Work summary

This incense holder in the shape of an eboshi hat was created by Onishi Rakusai, a master of Akahada ware in Nara. Though it is palm-sized, measuring approximately 7cm in diameter and less than 6cm in height, it meticulously replicates the neatly folded creases and creases of an eboshi hat, and is divided into two sections, top and bottom, to hold incense paste and pieces of aloeswood.

2. Highlights of the sculpture

3. Glaze tones and techniques

Blue iron kiln-changed glaze <br data-start="498" data-end="501">By adding iron oxide to a transparent glaze and firing it under strong reduction, we have achieved a "blue iron" color that changes from ultramarine to inky black. Localized purple-brown kiln-changed spots appear, creating a depth reminiscent of the luster of black lacquer that has been used for many years.

Hammering <br data-start="615" data-end="618">After a large lump of clay is pulled on a potter's wheel, it is lightly hammered with a wooden hammer to flatten the surface and bring out the distinctive fold lines of the eboshi hat. This process creates natural unevenness due to shrinkage after firing, giving the piece a rugged yet delicate appearance.

Lid fitting innovation <br data-start="732" data-end="735">By providing a double groove on the bottom edge, it is easy to grip with your fingers when lifting the incense holder and also improves the airtightness.

4. Cultural background of the eboshi motif

From the Heian period onwards, eboshi became a standard part of everyday attire for male nobles, with the shape of the fold and height being precisely regulated according to rank and age. The eboshi and kariginu worn by Shinto priests at festivals remains in Shinto rituals and gagaku music today, and is seen as a symbol of purity, nobility and elegance . In the tea ceremony, eboshi and incense containers are often used at formal occasions such as New Year's and festivals, and are popular as a way to bring the elegance of court ceremonies into the room.

5. Seasonal combinations

6. Onishi Rakusai's approach to pottery making

Under the philosophy of "Putting the history and prayers of Nara into tea ceremony pottery in the palm of your hand," Onishi Rakusai actively incorporates motifs symbolic of the land, such as deer, temple bells, and the Yumedono Hall, as well as costumes and ritual implements that represent the original forms of Japanese culture. In this piece, he makes use of the iron qualities of the Akahada clay and the crystallization of the blue iron glaze to express the tension of the folds of the clothing and the tranquility of the fabric's texture through the texture of the clay. When held in the palm of your hand, it is as if you can sense the quiet breathing of the costumes of the Heian aristocrats.

The "Eboshi Incense Container" is a rare masterpiece that brings the subtle echoes of Heian gagaku music to the tea room. When you open the lid, the rising incense smoke flows into the depths of the eboshi hat, evoking the tranquil scene of an ancient aristocrat styling his hair. Please enjoy the intricate design unique to Onishi Rakusai and the deep luster of the blue iron kiln finish at any fine tea ceremony or festival.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi