Ki-Seto

「黄瀬戸茶碗」

This tea bowl, known as the Hachitataki, was crafted by the first generation of the Kizu family, the Shousai Sousen (松斎宗詮), who served as a tea master during the Edo period. One of the most unique aspects of this bowl is that it has been fully handcrafted without the use of tools, which lends it a natural texture.

Origin

The Yūsai ware (友斎焼) was produced by Shōno Igorō (正野猪五郎), a potter from Hino in Shiga Prefecture, east of Kyoto, who was a disciple of the first generation of Shosai. Igorō has created many of the tea utensils in his own residence at Hino under the direct guidance of Sōsai. He used specific raw materials that he believed were appropriate to the motto of the Wabi culture, such as the form, clay, and texture. Although Igorō used raw materials extracted from Hino, the simple form of the bowl was largely influenced by Kyoto’s tea aesthetics, as well as the restriction of excessive decoration to prevent the bowl from becoming too flashy.

Name "Hachitataki"

The name “Hachitataki” (Buddest street performer), refers to the Japanese religious, folk tradition originating in the medieval period between the 12th and the 19th century. Hachitataki was Kūya’s monk affiliated with Gokurakuin Kōshō-ji (極楽院光勝寺). Kūya famous for being the first monk to practice Shomyo Nenbutsu, (称名念仏) which is the most famous prayer still used today during funerals. For the coming 48 days starting from November 13 (Kūya’s memorial day) till the New Year’s Eve, they traveled through the city chanting, and striking bells as they danced, and receiving almsgiving. This practice represents a form of religiosity served in everyday life, which deeply intertwines, later giving rise to various traditions, performing arts, and other valuable cultural events that Japan has created.

Culture / History

Once the Edo period began, the Hachitataki culture changed into the form of Kadozuke (門付), which means standing at household gates to perform and solicit almsgiving, and became one of the essential activities held on the streets of Kyoto during the winter season. The background behind naming this tea bowl “Hachitataki” was all these Kyoto folk prayers and the silent winter memories that Kyoto had. Igorō has secretly tied the idea of tea and Hachitataki and created a special bowl.

Seasons

Yūsai ware’s black tea bowl deliberetly removed the ellegant texture as well as dynamic imagery in the bowl to prevent the assertive expression but rather served as a tool that accompanies the daily practice and the seasonal changes referring to the Wabi culture. “Hachitataki” is again used each year in “Nōkai” (納会) which is a closing ceremony of the year as they also emphasize the gratitude towards the year.

Mr. Kizu Sousen