This is an En-taka (tiered serving dish) perfect for a small tea gathering. Crafted by the 9th generation Sotei, it can be used with confidence at important tea ceremonies. "Hegime" refers to the natural linear irregularities and unevenness that appear on the split surface of wood. This piece is made using such wood. The exterior is Tame-nuri (lacquer with a translucent reddish-brown finish), the interior is Shin-nuri (pure black lacquer), and the body features a stylish openwork design. Removing the lid reveals a beautiful "Kori-ume Maki-e" (ice plum design) on the underside, making it a stunning piece that will enhance any tea ceremony.
*Kori-ume (ice plum): A dyeing pattern. It depicts cracks of ice throughout, with plum blossoms scattered here and there.
The accompanying box is marked with "Kori-ume-e Hegime En-taka, Ichi-ko, Nurishi Sotei" (Ice Plum Design, Hegime En-taka, One Piece, Lacquerer Sotei).
The signature indicates that this is a work from the late years of the 9th generation. ◇ In his later years, the character "哲" (Tetsu) in his signature was stylized to resemble the number nine *Photo 18. Although the piece does not bear a mark, this was common for tableware during this period.
The bottom has some wear and tear from direct use. Photo 14 is taken to show the scratches clearly. There is a slight warp in the lid of the accompanying box *Photo 15. There is some aging due to the piece's age. Please understand this.
With original box.
Size of the body: 18.4 cm square, height 7.9 cm
Size including the lid: 19.4 cm square, height 8.6 cm
▢ 9th Generation Nakamura Sotei (Nakamura Sotei)
Born in Ansei 3 (1856) - Died in Meiji 44 (1911)
Lacquerer. 9th generation of the Nakamura family. A Chasen family artisan. Adopted son-in-law of the 8th generation Sotei. Born as the eldest son of the master carpenter Matsuzaki family, he worked as a teacher while protecting the family business with his wife during a period of decline in the tea ceremony, and he devoted himself to improving his skills. His art names were Eisai, and his haiku names were Ichida and Unsu.
[References]
Rakkan Kao Daijiten (Dictionary of Signatures and Seals) Tankosha
Nakamura Sotei-ke no Rekidai (Generations of the Nakamura Sotei Family) Tankosha
Senke Jisshoku (Ten Masters of the Sen Family) Sekai Bunka Publishing
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