Goldfish incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 9.0cm x 8.3cm Height: 5.8cm

Goldfish incense holder (Kingyo Kogo) Made by Rakusai Onishi

--Listen to the cool sound of summer water as the tail fin sways in the palm of your hand.--

1. Overview of the work

This is a goldfish-shaped incense container made by Akahada-yaki ware maker Onisairakusai of Yatsushiro, Nara. It is small, measuring about 9cm in length and 6cm in height, and has a realistic depiction of its rounded body and gracefully opening tail fin. The container is divided into two parts, top and bottom, at the center of the body to hold the incense. The deep red scale pattern on the body is made using copper red glaze, and the contrast with the white porcelain glaze base emphasizes the coolness of midsummer.

2. Form and design

3. Techniques and glaze tones

White porcelain glaze x copper-red glaze applied <br data-start="650" data-end="653">A white porcelain glaze mainly made of feldspar is applied to the entire base, and after drying, a copper-red glaze is brushed on to the scales. When reduced and fired at 1240℃, the copper turns red, and some parts of the piece turn purple.

Light Crazing
As the piece is slowly cooled after firing, fine cracks appear in the white porcelain glaze, and over time the tea color seeps in, deepening the appearance.

Precision Sculpture <br data-start="807" data-end="810">The lump of clay is roughly turned on a potter's wheel, and then each fin is joined by twisting it by hand. The scales are carved out when the clay is half-dry, ensuring strength while maintaining the thinness of the tail.

4. Goldfish and Japanese Culture

Goldfish were imported from China in the early Edo period and became established as a seasonal event that brings about "coolness," such as goldfish scooping at summer festivals. The rounded "Ryukin" is particularly used in decorations and toy designs, and is considered a symbol of summer, coolness, and good fortune . Additionally, because fish are associated with the word "amaru (excess)," they are also an auspicious motif representing fertility and wealth , and in the tea ceremony there is a tradition of using goldfish incense containers to bring a sense of coolness to guests just before the summer festival, on Tanabata, and around the time of the dog days of summer.

5. Examples of arrangements at tea ceremonies

6. Onishi Rakusai's approach to pottery

Based on the idea of ​​"transforming the history and auspicious fortunes of Nara into modern tea pottery," Onishi Rakusai has been actively challenging himself with seasonal auspicious fish while using symbols of Yamato such as deer, temple bells, and Yumedono (Dreaming Hall) as his subject matter. In this piece, the soft clay unique to Akahada ware is enveloped in white porcelain glaze, and the vivid colors of copper-red glaze are layered on top, creating a coexistence of warm elegance and coolness, wabi and gaiety , making it a piece that will stand up to being the centerpiece of a summer ceremony.

7. Summary

The "Goldfish Incense Box" is an exceptional piece that captures the sound of cool water and the excitement of summer in the palm of your hand. When you open the lid, the rising incense smoke envelops the goldfish like bubbles floating on the surface of the water, bringing a momentary cool breeze into the tea room. Please enjoy the delicate sculpting ability unique to Onishi Rakusai and the visual coolness created by the contrast of red and white at your midsummer tea ceremony.

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