This unique Oribe-yaki chaire (茶入 - tea container) is made in the classic shouldered (肩衝 - katatsuki) shape, with a barreled body and high, sharp shoulders. Glazed and decorated in the famous Ao-Oribe (青織部) style, the body is glazed in a crazed white, with iron paintings of grass on one side, and a decorated yin-yang symbol on the shōmen (正面 - face). The top is draped in the distinctive copper green glaze that is synonymous with Oribe.
The chaire comes paired with a beige silk brocade pouch (仕覆 - shifuku) with a beige drawstring, decorated with the character 福, meaning 'luck'/'fortune'.
Please note that the shifuku is heavily worn and delicate and the himo (drawstring) has broken.
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.
Oribe-yaki (織部焼) is a type of Japanese pottery known for its free flowing glazes and asymmetrical, hand-formed shapes. Dating in the late 16th century, Oribe ware takes its name from legendary tea master Furuta Oribe (古田 織部) who is believed to have played a large part in its development. Oribe wares are decorated with abstract designs and splashes of free-flowing vibrant green or deep black glaze. With these distorted shapes and novel decorations, Oribe-yaki exudes a charm that matches Furuta Oribe’s philosophy of hyouge (へうげ) or playfulness. One of the most popular styles of Oribe ware is Ao-Oribe or Green Oribe, which is decorated with geometric patterns painted with an iron glaze and then partially covered in a vibrant green copper-sulfate glaze which contrasts against the light background.
Dimensions:
5cm (2in) - width
7.8cm (3.1in) - height
Condition: Good (heavily worn)
This vintage Japanese item ships from the United States
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