Goryeo Dynasty (13th–14th century)
Tangible Cultural Property, designated by Yamagata Prefecture
Donated by the Homma family
Ōido tea bowls are broadly classified into ōido, koido, aoido or idowaki bowls. Covered with a thin loquat-coloured glaze, this particular Ōido tea bowl is on the larger side, with a bold, strong presence; the foot at the base is shaped like a section of bamboo. The area inside the bowl to the mouth shows traces of “kairagi” or “glaze shrinkage,” which has a crackled, grainy appearance. Tea masters regard this expressive feature as a highlight of Ōido tea bowls.
It was originally owned by the Sakai family of the Shōnai Domain — hence the inscription — and was later acquired by the Homma family.
In the chronicle Yamanoue Sōji ki by the eponymous disciple of 15th century tea master Sen no Rikyū, which describes Rikyū’s teachings and the state of contemporary tea practice, this bowl is described as the “finest Ōido Korean tea bowl under heaven,” and the most esteemed in wabi-cha style tea ceremony.