Thread-wrapped incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.0cm x 6.0cm Height: 2.8cm

Thread-wrapped incense holder - Onishi Rakusai

1. Design: A playful design that resembles 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 resemble a 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 the color is brought to a soft ivory by reduction firing.

Striped pattern <br data-start="313" data-end="316">A typical Kyoto five-color design, with 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 "thick threads."

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

3. Technique: A precise seam made using the "waridashi" technique

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

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°C, ensuring a gloss that is resistant to peeling.

4. Combinations at tea ceremonies: freely adapting to the seasons and tastes

Early Spring/Girl's 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-like quality to your Star Festival seating.

Seeds for conversation <br data-start="865" data-end="868">You can show customers "the spools of thread used 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 by a thread.

Threads have long been popular 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 bringing people together. By using the traditional five colors and a light and elegant design, Onishi Rakusai has seamlessly integrated this symbolism into a modern tea ceremony.

With its milky white base and light red and green stripes, and the charming shape of a spool of thread, Onishi Rakusai's "Thread Spool Incense Container" embodies the auspicious meaning of "tying" something in the palm of your hand, making it a masterpiece that brings a warm story to the tea room. Opening the lid will allow you to sense the fragrance that fills the air, as well as the preciousness of the bond woven by the thread.

A conversation with Rakusai Onishi