Japanese Chaire - 元永彰一 Motonaga Shōichi - Brown Drip-Glazed Marutsubo Takatori-yaki Tea Jar with Shifuku

This Takatori-yaki Chaire (茶入 - tea container) is made in the classic 'circle jar' (丸壺- marutsubo) shape with a long neck rising from a circular body. In typical Takatori style, the glossy glaze has a rich amber hue, with a beautiful drip down the shōmen (正面 - face).

The chaire is made by Motonaga Shōichi (元永彰一) of Motonaga Tōen (元永陶苑) comes paired with a orange silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) with a brown drawstring, woven in a traditional arabesque pattern called shōhafukkichō (紹巴富貴長命

Chaire (茶入 - tea container), pronounced cha-ee-reh or chai-reh, are ceramic vessels used to hold high-grade matcha used to make koicha (thick tea). They are some of the most highly-regarded tea ceremony utensils. Chaire lids are typically coated with gold or silver leaf on the underside, which was thought to be a pure material that would discolour when it came into contact with poison, thus protecting one from drinking poisoned tea. Chaire are also paired with a custom-made silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) that is tied tightly with a drawstring.

Takatori-yaki (高取焼) comes from Fukuoka Prefecture and, along other famous regional styles like Hagi-yaki and Arita-yaki, was founded by potters brought over from Korea, following the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century. Takatori ware was one of Kobori Enshū's favourites styles and is loved for its glossy, flowing glazes.

Dimensions:

6.4cm (2.5in) - width
6.7cm (2.6in) - height

Condition: Very good

This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States