Eboshi incense holder by Rakusai Onishi

Width: 6.7cm x 4.4cm Height: 5.5cm

Eboshi incense holder (made by Rakusai Onishi)

--A blue-and-white microcosm that reflects the elegance of the Heian period in the palm of your hand--

1. Work summary

This piece is an incense container in the shape of an eboshi hat, made by Onishi Rakusai, a master craftsman of Akahada ware from Nara. Although it is palm-sized, measuring approximately 7cm in diameter and less than 6cm in height, it precisely replicates the neatly folded folds of an eboshi hat, and is divided into two parts, top and bottom, to hold incense paste and pieces of aloeswood.

2. Highlights of the sculpture

3. Glaze tones and techniques

Blue iron kiln-changed glaze <br data-start="498" data-end="501">By adding iron oxide to a transparent glaze and firing it under strong reduction, we have achieved the "blue iron" color that changes from ultramarine to inky black. Localized purple-brown kiln-changed spots appear, creating a depth that is reminiscent of the luster of black lacquer that has been used for many years.

Hammering Forming <br data-start="615" data-end="618">After a large lump of clay is pulled on a potter's wheel, it is lightly hammered with a wooden hammer to flatten the surface and bring out the distinctive fold lines of the eboshi hat. This process creates natural unevenness due to shrinkage after firing, giving the piece a rugged yet delicate appearance.

Lid fitting innovation <br data-start="732" data-end="735">By creating a double groove on the bottom edge, it provides a good grip when lifting the incense holder and also improves the airtightness.

4. Cultural background of the eboshi motif

Eboshi hats became a part of everyday attire for male nobles from the Heian period onwards, with the way they were folded and their height regulated in detail according to rank and age. The "eboshi hat and kariginu" worn by Shinto priests at festivals remains in Shinto rituals and gagaku music to this day, and is considered a symbol of purity, nobility and elegance . In the tea ceremony, eboshi incense containers are often used at occasions such as New Year's and festivals that mark "celebratory occasions," and are popular as a way of incorporating the elegance of court ceremonies into the room.

5. Seasonal combinations

6. Onishi Rakusai's approach to pottery

Under the philosophy of "Putting the history and prayers of Nara into tea pottery in the palm of your hand," Onishi Rakusai actively incorporates themes such as costumes and ritual implements that represent the original forms of Japanese culture, in addition to motifs symbolic of the land, such as deer, temple bells, and Yumedono. In this work, he makes use of the iron quality of Akahada clay and the crystallization of Aotetsuyu to express the tension of the folds of the clothes and the tranquility of the fabric with the texture of the clay. When you hold it in your palm, it is as if you can feel the quiet breathing of the costumes of Heian period aristocrats.

7. Summary

The "Eboshi Incense Container" is a rare gem that brings the subtle echoes of Heian gagaku to the tea room. When you open the lid, the rising incense smoke flows into the depths of the eboshi hat, evoking the tranquil scene of an ancient nobleman styling his hair. Please enjoy the intricate design unique to Onishi Rakusai and the deep luster of the blue iron kiln transformation at any fine tea ceremony or festival.

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