10th Generation Mushanokoji Senke, Yurin-sai Sōshu's Autograph "Zen-sho Yurin-sai Ko Kinkin Chawan" (with original box)

This tea bowl features a Kinkou design in colored enamel on an iron glaze base. One side depicts cherry blossoms, while the other features Momiji. The design is elegantly framed within a window, rather than being painted directly on the surface. Kinkou refers to a pattern that combines cherry blossoms and Momiji, where the cherry blossoms are likened to clouds and the Momiji to brocade. This motif, representing both spring and autumn, can be enjoyed throughout the year. The base is stamped with the mark せ〃 (see photo 9).

With a box inscription from the head of the school, this tea bowl is suitable for formal tea ceremonies. The inside of the lid is inscribed with せヽ焼雲錦茶碗　好  守（seal）, and the accompanying box is stamped 淡海せ〃陽炎園造. The fact that it was favored by Yurin-sai indicates that the box inscription is by Shinjyo Iwasaki of Zezeyaki Kageren, who was active during the same period.

There are no chips or repairs.

Diameter: 12.9 cm, Height: 7.8 cm, Base Diameter: 4.6 cm

▢ Yurin-sai Soushu (1913-1999)
10th head of the Mushakojisenke school. Graduated from Kyoto University's Department of Japanese History and was appointed the 10th head of Kankyuan. He was known as an intellectual head of the school, utilizing his academic knowledge in his tea ceremonies. In 1989, he passed on the headship to his eldest son, Tetsu-sai, and took the name Soushu.

▢ Shinjyo Iwasaki (1913-2009)
Zezeyaki, Kageren. Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Studied under his father, Kenzo Iwasaki, who revived the Zezeyaki kiln, one of the seven famous kilns of Enshu. In 1985, he received the Shiga Prefecture Culture Award and the designation of Shiga Prefecture Traditional Craftsman. In 1987, he established the Zezeyaki Museum of Art, dedicating himself to the collection and research of masterpieces across different eras. In 1991, he was recognized as a distinguished craftsman of traditional industries by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. He specialized in iron glaze, blue ground kinran-de, and sometsuke, aiming to create works that harmonize with other tea ceremony utensils.

[References]
Chajin no Kaou (Seals of Tea Masters) - Kawahara Shoten
Chadougu no Meikou Sakka Meikan (Directory of Famous Tea Utensil Craftsmen and Artists) - Tankosha

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