RAKU WARE

Chôjirô, the founder ( ? ~ 1589)

Two-colour glazed lion figure (Important Cultural Property),ex-collection of the Raku family

The belly of the lion bears a carved inscription reading “Made to order by Chôjirô in the spring of the second year of the Tenshô era”. The body is coated with green and transparent two-colour glazes. It is not only a testimonial work to show the roots of Raku ware but also a sculptural masterpiece among the Momoyama ceramics.

Black Raku tea bowl named “Omokage” authenticated by Yamada Sôhen and Ishikawa Jian, accompanied by a letter written by Kakukakusai, possessed by Machida Shûha,ex-collection of the Raku family

Yamada Sôhen left an inscription of its name read as “Omokage” and so did Ishikawa Jian, which goes “this bowl is quite similar to another bowl named “Hachihiraki” possessed by Hosokawa Sansai”, which explains how the naming derived from. It is a representative piece of Chôjirô.

Black Raku cylindrical tea bowl named “Murasame” among “Chôjirô Shinsen Shichishu”, literally, “Newly selected seven tea bowls of Chôjirô”, authenticated by Joshinsai

Only few examples of cylindrical bowls made by Chôjirô are known, among which this tea bowl with a rare goke zoko foot, a flat base, is included. It is included in “Shinsen Shichishu”, newly selected seven tea bowls of Chôjirô.

• Black Raku tea bowl named “Kôtô” authenticated by Genpaku Sôtan,ex-collection of the Raku family
• Black Raku low cylindrical tea bowl named “Okinoshima” authenticated by Kakukakusai and Jûzan Kôho (on permanent loan)
• Black Raku cylindrical tea bowl named “Kineore” authenticated by Genpaku Sôtan (on permanent loan),ex-collection of the Matsushita family
• Incense burner in the shape of lion dog
• and other examples