21 Chidori incense container by Miyagawa Kosai

Height: 4.5cm Width: 6.0cm x 6.0cm

"Chidori Incense Container Miyagawa Kosai" is a particularly elegant and refined piece among incense containers. An incense container is a container for storing incense used in the charcoal preparation stage of the tea ceremony, and its decoration and shape indicate the taste and aesthetic sense of the host at the tea ceremony. As the charcoal preparation stage is often omitted in modern tea ceremonies, incense containers are often displayed in the tokonoma alcove, where they are placed alongside seasonal flowers, flower vases, hanging scrolls, and other items, making them objects of visual appreciation. More than simply being a practical tool, incense containers play an important role in enhancing the aesthetic elements of the tea room.

The Chidori design and its symbolic meaning

Chidori is a lucky motif that has been familiar in Japanese culture since ancient times, and this traditional motif is also incorporated in the "Chidori incense container Miyagawa Kosai". Chidori is a small bird that lives near water, and its appearance has been written about in waka and poetry since ancient times, and it has been widely used as a motif. The sight of chidori flying over the waves is considered a symbol of overcoming rough waves together, and it is filled with wishes for marital harmony and safety of the family. This motif of chidori has been used since the Manyo period, and is very familiar to Japanese people. Furthermore, chidori also has the meaning of "praying for victory" and "safety of the family". The sight of chidori flying over the waves is a symbol of overcoming difficulties, and it is entrusted with a strong wish to overcome the rough waves of life together. While this "Chidori incense container" has such auspicious meaning, the adorable chidori design is a modest yet elegant piece.

The aesthetic role of the Chidori incense container in the tea ceremony

The "Chidori Incense Container Miyagawa Kosai" plays an important role in tea ceremonies. It is not only used when preparing charcoal, but also displayed in the tokonoma alcove together with a flower vase or hanging scroll when charcoal preparation is omitted, expressing the taste and sensibility of the host. The chidori motif of this incense container enhances the aesthetic balance of the entire tea room and leaves a deep impression on viewers. In particular, the chidori pattern reflects the sense of the seasons, and can be enjoyed according to the season at tea ceremonies of each season. An incense container with a chidori design is perfect for tea ceremonies that give a sense of the changing seasons, such as spring and autumn, and makes the viewer feel the beauty of nature and the cycle of the seasons. In the tea ceremony, the choice of incense container represents the host's consideration and sensibility for the tea ceremony, and this piece exudes a dignified elegance while possessing a beauty that harmonizes with nature.

The history of Makuzu ware and the traditions of the Miyagawa family

"Chidori incense box Miyagawa Kosai" is a work born from the rich tradition of Makkuzu ware. The history of Makkuzu ware dates back to the Jokyo era (1684-1687), when the Miyagawa family began pottery in front of Chion-in Temple in Kyoto. After that, the Miyagawa family inherited the techniques of Kyoto ware and focused on producing tea utensils and sencha utensils. In particular, the first Miyagawa Kosai, while inheriting the traditions of Kyoto ware, developed Makkuzu ware into a unique style and established the style of the Kosai family thereafter. This "Chidori incense box" is a work that condenses the long history of the Miyagawa family and the traditional techniques of Makkuzu ware. Miyagawa Kosai's techniques have been refined along with the beauty of Makkuzu ware, and over the course of his 330-year history of pottery making, he has produced works that embody the spirit of the tea ceremony. Miyagawa Kosai continues to create works that combine the beauty and practicality of tea utensils, and this work is one example of that.

Overseas reputation and influence of Miyagawa Kosai

In recent years, Makuzu ware has been highly acclaimed not only in Japan but also overseas. Miyagawa Kosai's works are collected in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and China, and interest in the tea ceremony and traditional Japanese culture is growing. In particular, his works are housed in international art museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Permanent Mission of Japan to UNESCO (Paris), and his artistic and technical excellence is internationally recognized. "Chidori Incense Box Miyagawa Kosai" is a work of art based on the traditions of tea ceremony, but also has a universal appeal that resonates with modern sensibilities. While using the traditional motif of chidori, the design has a refined beauty suitable for modern tea ceremonies, and it has become a beloved presence by many people across borders. This work combines practicality as a tea utensil and value as a work of art. The auspiciousness of the chidori design and the elegant design harmonize, and not only plays an important role in tea rooms and tokonoma alcoves, but also deeply impresses the viewer. Furthermore, this incense container, which is filled with the traditions of Makuzu ware and the techniques of Miyagawa Kosai, will not only embody the spirit of the tea ceremony, but will also shine as a special presence in everyday life. The "Chidori incense container," which is an auspicious symbol of prayers for the safety of the home and good fortune, is more than just a tool; it is a work of art with cultural significance, whose value will be passed down through generations.