Demonic Lid Placer by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.8cm x 6.8cm Height: 5.0cm

"If you drop the ladle, the evil spirits will laugh at you." The joy of placing the ladle on the evil spirits' heads.

This evil spirit lid rest, created by Onishi Rakusai, is based on the evil spirit (Amanojaku) seen in Buddhist art, and is a fine piece that combines functionality as a tea ceremony tool with a playful spirit. The figure of the crouching demon embodies Onishi Rakusai's unique gentle sense of form and the skill of Kyoto-style colored enamel painting. Below, we will introduce the appeal of this piece from five perspectives.

1. Beauty of form and form

The charm of its hunched pose <br data-end="234" data-start="231">The pose of the figure, curled up as if tightly embracing its entire body, softens the image of mere evil and gives it a certain lovable charm. The angled expression of the head tilting naturally draws the gaze of guests when it is placed as a lid rest.

Stable center of gravity design <br data-end="358" data-start="355">The lower part of the body is slightly wider and the center of gravity is low, resulting in a practical form that is unlikely to tip over even when a ladle or kettle lid is placed on it.

2. The beauty of coloring and glaze

Pale peach glaze and glossy overglaze <br data-end="464" data-start="461">The pale peach glaze that covers the entire piece has a soft luster due to reduction firing, and faintly suggests the texture of a demon's skin.

The contrast between the yellow glaze on the head and the black horn <br data-end="538" data-start="535">The yellow hair and single black horn are a color scheme that is also found on the ancient "A-gata" and "Un-gata" onigawara tiles, and act as an effective visual accent.

Detailed depictions of the eyes, fangs and mouth <br data-end="618" data-start="615">The eyes are made with tiny dots of black glaze and gold, while the fangs are made with thin, raised layers of chalk powder to emphasize their three-dimensionality. The vermilion line around the mouth, which appears to have been drawn in one stroke, completes the demon's humorous expression.

3. Techniques: Hand-twisted shaping and low-temperature overglaze painting

One-piece hand-twisted molding <br data-end="742" data-start="739">This technique involves pushing out a lump of clay with the fingertips to form the entire body in one go, and the finger marks left on the surface create a rich, fleshy appearance.

Pale peach veneer under a transparent glaze <br data-end="820" data-start="817">The two-layer structure, with a white veneer applied to the base and then a transparent glaze on top, creates an elegant texture with a subtle cherry blossom hue shining through the gloss.

Color fixation through overglaze firing <br data-end="904" data-start="901">After painting the hair, horns, eyes and fangs, we fire them at a low temperature of 750-800°C to ensure the freshness and durability of the colors.

4. Functionality and presentation at tea ceremonies

Practical use as a lid rest <br data-end="1001" data-start="998">The rounded back gently supports the contact point of the lid and also provides a non-slip effect. When placing the kettle lid on the table, the demon's back is used to extinguish the fire, creating the effect of "subduing demons."

Conversational Resources <br data-end="1090" data-start="1087">In temple architecture, evil spirits are often depicted as beings supporting Buddhist statues and pagodas, and are symbols of good fortune that have transformed into "those who support Buddhism." The host can add this anecdote to enjoy Zen-filled conversation with his guests.

Suitable for seasons and occasions <br data-end="1201" data-start="1198">It is suitable for more elaborate occasions such as Setsubun, New Year's Eve, and tea ceremonies to pray for protection from misfortune, as well as rainy days and late-night storytelling sessions.

5. Cultural and symbolic significance

Although evil spirits are originally metaphors for worldly desires and disasters, in the Buddhist world they are subdued by the power of Buddha and are reborn as pedestals that support temples and shrines.

The force of the fire (steam) = calming down the worldly desires on the demon's back = subjugation

This symbolic gesture resonates with the spirit of the tea ceremony, which is to "calm the mind in the midst of everyday life." Onishi Rakusai has encapsulated this profound meaning in a humorous design, elevating it into a tool that blends naturally into the modern tea ceremony.

The image of the little demon bending over to support the kettle lid is humorous, yet embodies a prayer for protection from evil and peace. Placing it at a tea ceremony will bring a smile to the guests' faces as they contemplate the demon's teaching that "earthly desires are enlightenment." Onishi Rakusai's demon lid rest is a masterpiece that is both practical and artistic, embodying both wabi (traditional Japanese aesthetic) and playfulness.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi