Fine Japanese art and tea implements

The Perfect Symbolic Wedding Anniversary Present — Raku Seinyu (XIII)


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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Pre 1900: Item # 1361022

Please refer to our stock # TRC1825 when inquiring.
Kyoto Ceramics and Fine Art
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Kamigamo District
Kyoto, Japan


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This tea bowl crafted by one of the great masters of Japanese pottery depicts Meota Iwa—a famous Japanese landmark in Mie. Symbolizing the union between two divine deities, Izanagi (said to be the larger rock, though there is no consensus on this point) and his wife Izanami, the two are joined by a shimenawa (heavy straw rope used in Japanese Shinto ceremonies). This straw rope is quite massive and must be replaced several times a year in a special ceremony. One could think of this in terms of the care and maintenance required to keep a marriage (even a divine one) strong and connected over the course of long life.

When purchased, the tea bowl had several chips and cracks which have been repaired by an expert craftsman—one in gold, one in silver, and the remaining in transparent veneer. The symbolism of this could be interpreted in a number of ways, however, as with the two rocks bound together by the ceremonial rope, it is not known for certain which of the two is Izanagi and which is Izanami—which of the two is taking the lead in the dance of marriage and which is playing the role of muse. The mythology surrounding this divine couple is quite a read... I won’t get into it here… the important take-away is that even matches (literally) made in heaven face many challenges because, as is all too often the case, marriage itself is a challenge. The cracks that remain showing under the veneer illustrate this crucial point. These elements combine to form the perfect symbolic wedding anniversary present for the right couple with the right sense of divine marital humor!

Apart from being steeped in symbolic imagery, this piece has the added distinction of being created by Raku Seinyu (1887 - 1944), the eldest son of the 12th Kichizaemon of the Raku line of potters—known as the most noted and celebrated tradition of pottery within the world of Japanese tea.

In fine antique condition with several gold and silver repairs and several hairlines repaired with clear glaze by a skilled craftsman, this piece is 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter and stands 3.1 inches (7.9 cm) tall. It comes with its original box signed by Raku Kichizaemon Seinyu on the lid. Seinyu’s seal can be seen impressed into the kodai (foot) of the tea bowl and it comes with an especially nice custom-fit decorative silk pouch (shifuku). ** International shipping and insurance included in the price