Tea grinding incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.0cm x 5.0cm Height: 4.7cm

Tea grinder and incense holder - Onishi Rakusai

Work summary

This incense container is based on the image of someone grinding tea leaves in a stone mill. The figure on top is the lid, while the mill and base are the body, and when the two are joined together they form a complete sculpture. With the light and delicate design and soft glaze that are unique to Onishi Rakusai, the act of grinding tea leaves, which can be said to be the origin of the tea ceremony, is elevated into an object filled with warmth.

1. Design: Reflecting the "original landscape of tea"

Figures <br data-start="235" data-end="238">The monk (or maid) bending over to turn the millstone is realistically depicted, while the face and hands are depicted with minimal brushstrokes, inviting the viewer's imagination.

The mortar and base plate are cylindrical and the base plate is boat-shaped, and when the lid is closed they come together to form what appears to be a small table. This is also a symbol of "grinding incense = releasing the fragrance," and it overlaps the action of grinding tea with the act of burning incense.

Appearance <br data-start="426" data-end="429">The low, stable silhouette gives the table a sense of calm when placed on a tokonoma alcove or side alcove.

2. Glaze and coloring: the contrast between soft white and iron spots

Figure section <br data-start="520" data-end="523">This piece is covered in a milky white glaze made mainly from feldspar, and given a pale blue hue by reduction firing. Iron flecks that appear here and there create a look reminiscent of the aged color of a white robe.

Mortar and base board <br data-start="604" data-end="607">A thin layer of brown iron glaze is applied to express the texture and age of the wood. The slight sheen is reminiscent of damp ash, visually reinforcing its function as an incense holder.

3. Technique: A harmony of hand-twisting and low-temperature overglaze painting

Hand-formed as a single piece <br data-start="720" data-end="723">The figure and mortar are formed as a single piece from a lump of rough clay, and after drying, they are cut into saw-like pieces to create the lid, using the "waridashi" technique.

White coating <br data-start="794" data-end="797">The white clay applied to the surface of the base shrinks in places during firing, creating the texture of antique pottery.

Low-temperature overglaze <br data-start="859" data-end="862">Iron glaze is applied to the hair and eyes and set at 750-800°C, giving the piece a gentle luster that is resistant to peeling.

4. Combinations at tea ceremonies - Widely suited to the season and taste

Early Spring - New Tea Harvest <br data-start="970" data-end="973">By depicting the scene of "grinding tea" during the season when the tea leaves sprout, the idea of ​​celebrating the "new aroma" stands out.

Koicha tea ceremony <br data-start="1033" data-end="1036">This goes well with the idea of ​​"koawase" (incense blending), which uses finely crushed agarwood and kyara wood instead of matcha, and echoes the act of kneading the tea.

Conversation seeds <br data-start="1101" data-end="1104">By sharing anecdotes with your guests, such as "Before powdered tea was introduced into tea ceremony, it was ground in a mortar," the conversation will naturally flow.

5. Cultural and symbolic significance

In the history of the tea ceremony, the act of grinding tea leaves with a millstone is deeply connected to the medicinal stones and training of Zen temples. The incense burning is also a part of the training that harmonizes the mind and body. By sculpting the two "grinding" actions, this incense container brings the symbols of "study" and "purification" into the ceremonial ensemble. With soft realism and pale colors, Onishi Rakusai has deliberately transformed the rigorous training into an approachable image, bringing a peaceful atmosphere to the modern tea room.

A monk with iron flecks on his white robes quietly turns the mortar, and the incense holder emits a pure fragrance -- Onishi Rakusai's "Tea Grinding Incense Holder" is a rare tool that simultaneously speaks of tea and incense, ascetic training and harmony. When placed on the floor, it will quietly draw the attention of guests, and when the incense is released, the original landscape of the eternal tea ceremony will softly emerge.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi