Black Raku Tea Bowl with Irises by Nakamura Donen III
- Artist:
- Nakamura Donen III
- Era:
- Shōwa
- Price:
- SOLD
- Inquire:
- Contact gallery
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In Japan every season and every phase of the year is marked by the presence of a flower, the most noted of course being the cherry blossoms signifying the long-awaited arrival of spring. Lesser known to the outside world is the importance of the iris flower marking the end of spring and the beginning of the summer months. Growing along river banks and in other wetland, the iris is thought to have purifying properties to ward off evil and is also associated with the expression of heroic deeds. This idea is supported by the Heian period text The Tales of Ise by Ariwara no Narihira, that features a poem about this fabled flower. Crafted by the third generation of one of Kyoto’s most well-known potting families, the tea bowl seen here has an excellent representation of the much-loved Japanese iris.
The artist, Donen III（1938～1988）studied under his father from a young age and went to work full-time at the family kiln after graduating from high-school. He specialized in producing Raku-ware after the style of Koetsu and was very active in displaying his wares across Japan in all the major metropolitan centers. His illustrious family name, his proactive approach to holding exhibitions outside of his native Kyoto, and his strong association with all the major tea schools of Japan has made him a favorite of tea practitioners and tea-ware collectors everywhere.
In excellent condition this piece is 4.8 inches in diameter at its widest point (12.3 cm), and stands 3 inches tall (7.4 cm). It comes with its original wood box signed by the artist (tomobako), a protective silk pouch, and a second ornamental lacquered outer box signifying that this is one of Donen’s best works. This piece also bears the distinction of being endorsed by Hourinouchi Soushin XII of the Omote-senke School of Tea and granted the poetic name, “Yatsu-bashi no Ei” (A painting of Eighth-Street Bridge).
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