Straw ash glaze tea bowl with a picture of treasures by Kosai Miyagawa

Height: 8.0cm Width: 12.0cm

This piece is based on the theme of "Takara-zukushi," a traditional Japanese auspicious motif. This motif depicts various treasures that symbolize good fortune and prosperity, and the entire tea bowl is decorated with an auspicious design. The Takara-zukushi motif originates from the ancient Chinese "Eight Treasures" and "Miscellaneous Eight Treasures," and was introduced to Japan during the Muromachi period. It was later adapted to a Japanese style and began to be used on formal wear and tea ceremony utensils, and remains widely loved as a symbol of good fortune to this day.

The origin and meaning of the treasure motif

"Takara-zukushi" is a collection of auspicious items believed to bring good fortune since ancient times, such as the Uchide-no-kozuchi (sacred mallet), the Hidden Raincoat, and the Kinnou (sack of gold). These motifs are deeply rooted in Japanese culture as symbols of abundance and good fortune. Each motif has a specific meaning; for example, the Uchide-no-kozuchi (sacred mallet) is said to bring you what you want when you shake it, and is considered a symbol of prosperity and success.

・Uchide no Kozuchi : A magic hammer said to be held by Issunboshi and Daikokuten, one of the Seven Lucky Gods. It is said that by swinging it, desired things will appear and it has the power to strike down enemies.

・Kakuremino (hidden raincoat) and Kakurekasa (hidden hat ): Both are mythical items that make the wearer invisible, and the Kakuremino (hidden raincoat) is associated with legends about Tengu and immortals.

・Jewel : Known as a ritual implement in esoteric Buddhism, it is said that if you obtain one, any wish will come true. Often depicted with flames, it symbolizes abundance and infinite possibilities.

The "treasure-filled" pattern, which brings together these motifs, is not merely decorative, but has a special meaning that is imbued with the belief that it brings good fortune.

The appeal of the Miyagawa Kosai family's pride and joy, the "straw ash glaze"

The "Straw Ash Glaze Treasure-Filled Tea Bowl" uses the "straw ash glaze" that has been passed down through generations of the Miyagawa Kosai family. Straw ash glaze is a soft, bluish, milky white glaze that covers the entire vessel, creating a warm texture. This glaze is a traditional technique that was also used by Nonomura Ninsei, the founder of Kyoto ware, and it plays a particularly important role in the Miyagawa family's Makuzu ware. The color of the straw ash glaze changes depending on the type of clay and the firing conditions, sometimes revealing a warm reddish appearance or a cool bluish-white color.

The techniques and history of Makuzu ware

Makuzu ware encompasses the traditional techniques of Kyoto ware, and its most notable examples are works using straw ash glazes. This glaze, which has been continuously refined by the Miyagawa family for over 200 years, is an important technique that imparts depth and beauty to works. The history of Makuzu ware dates back to the early Edo period during the Jokyo era (1684-1687), when Yukan Miyagawa Kobee Masakazu began pottery in Kyoto. The Miyagawa family continued to practice pottery for generations, and the master Makuzu ware craftsman, Miyagawa Chozo, opened a kiln in Makuzugahara, Higashiyama, and popularized the technique. Furthermore, the Miyagawa family continues to produce sencha tea utensils and other tea ceremony implements, and their works are highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally. The current Makuzu ware master, Miyagawa Kosai, continues to create new works while preserving this tradition. This tea bowl features a "treasure-filled" pattern, a Japanese auspicious motif, and utilizes the straw ash glaze technique, a traditional technique of the Miyagawa Kosai family. The auspicious meaning of the treasure motif and the unique beauty of the glaze combine to give the entire tea bowl a deep meaning and beauty. More than just a tea bowl, this tea bowl is imbued with faith and hope that it will bring good fortune to its owner, and is a work that embodies the beauty and spirit of Japanese culture.

A conversation with Miyagawa Kosai