Thread-wrapped incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.0cm x 6.0cm Height: 2.8cm

Thread-wound incense holder - Byari Rakusai

1. Design: A playful design that mimics a "spool of thread"

The white porcelain base is shaped to bulge on all four sides, and thin red and green stripes are wrapped around the center to create the shape of a **thread spool (silk spool)** used in ancient weaving. The stripes are continuous lines reminiscent of overlapping weft threads, bringing to the tea ceremony the allegory of "weaving cloth = weaving a story."

2. Glaze and coloring: Five-colored stripes stand out against the white glaze.

Base material <br data-start="253" data-end="256">A milky white glaze containing a large amount of feldspar is applied and then reduced firing is used to give it a soft ivory color.

Striped pattern <br data-start="313" data-end="316">A typical Kyoto five-color pattern of alternating copper green and iron red. The second firing process allows the paint to sink into the glaze, making the brushstrokes stand out slightly and giving the impression of "thickness of threads."

Near the base <br data-start="400" data-end="403">The glaze is cut near the ground surface to expose the reddish-brown color of the clay as an accent, bringing out the color saturation of the white and stripes on the inside.

3. Technique: A precise seam made using the split seam technique

One-piece molding and cutting <br data-start="515" data-end="518">The entire piece is carved out of a lump of clay, and after drying, the lid is cut into saw-like sections. This allows for a high level of precision in the alignment of the striped patterns.

Underpainting <br data-start="593" data-end="596">The lines are drawn in one go with a vertical brush stroke, and the slight fluctuations add to the warmth of handmade work.

Low-temperature overglaze painting <br data-start="660" data-end="663">The five colors are fixed at 770-800℃, ensuring a gloss that is less likely to peel off.

4. Combinations at tea ceremonies: freely adapting to the season and taste

Early Spring/Girls' Festival <br data-start="754" data-end="757">The red and green color scheme is reminiscent of Hina dolls and young grass, making it ideal for celebratory occasions.

Tanabata/The Story of Weaving <br data-start="806" data-end="809">By placing a "spool of thread" in reference to the legend of Orihime, you can add an elegant story-telling element to your Star Festival ceremony.

Conversation Spot <br data-start="865" data-end="868">You can show your customers "the spools of thread before they are made into cloth or tea caddy covers," and engage in lively conversation about the behind-the-scenes stories of how tools are made.

5. Cultural and symbolic significance: It represents the bond that is tied together with a thread

Threads have been popular since ancient times as an auspicious design that "ties ties." By likening the incense container to a spool of thread, the incense smoke (thread) softly ties the space together, creating the meaning of mediating ties between people. By using the traditional five colors and light and elegant design, Onishi Rakusai has seamlessly integrated this symbolism into the modern tea ceremony.

With light red and green stripes running across the milky white base and a lovely spool shape, Onishi Rakusai's "Thread Spool Incense Box" is an exceptional piece that embodies the auspicious meaning of "tying" in the palm of your hand and brings a heartwarming story to the tea room. When you open the lid, you will be able to feel the preciousness of the bond spun by the thread as the fragrance spreads.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi – High-end pottery specialty store [Amagi-do]