The Kura - Japanese Art Treasures

Robert Mangold has been working with Japanese antiques since 1995 with an emphasis on ceramics, Paintings, Armour and Buddhist furniture.

Aka-e bowl by Miura Chikusen I, The Tea Song


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Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1920: Item # 1181302

Please refer to our stock # TCR4172 when inquiring.
The Kura
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23 Murasakino Monzen-cho
Kita-ward Kyoto 603-8216
tel.81-75-201-3497
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Perfectly formed characters eschew the virtues of the scholar life and way of tea through the Gyokusen Chaka (Song of Tea) decorating this masterpiece of calligraphy and design by Miura Chikusen enclosed in the original signed wooden box. Books have been written upon the subject of this poem centering on the experience of a Tang dynasty recluse reaching Daoist enlightenment through the drinking of seven cups of tea. The bowl is 17 cm (7 inches) diameter, 10 cm (4 inches) tall and in fine condition.
The Tang dynasty poet Lú Tóng, wrote " Thanks to Mèng Jiànyì for Sending New Tea." Which has come to be simply called The Tea Song (of Yuchuan). Much too long to offer fully here, I offer the first few lines (A full translation will be provided):
The sun already high in the sky,
An envoy wrapping on the door called me from sleep.
The imperial censor Meng had sent a letter,
wrapped in white silk with three seals.
Inside, it was as if I could see the face of Meng
In the 300 blocks of "round moon" tea…
Chikusen I (1854-1915) made a name for himself as a strict adherent to and supplier of Sencha tea wares in Kyoto; one of the most important artists in the country for that genre. He studied under Takahashi Dohachi from the age of 13, before establishing his own studio in 1883. He was a feature in the literati community of Kyoto and was well known also as a painter, poet and calligraphist. His porcelains were considered of the highest grade throughout the Meiji era, and are still highly collectable today. The kiln continues, currently under the management of the fifth generation.