CHA-TSUBO

The maker of this diminutive little cha-tsubo is Kutani-yaki legend, Hasegawa Sojin of Kanazawa perhaps best known for his wispy aspara-like fairies and various naturalistic designs created in a painting technique that he calls Yosai. This particular piece is housed in a box that reads; KUTANI CHA-TSUBO and is more akin to a chaire than it is what one thinks of as a traditional cha-tsubo, tea-leaf container. Thrown out of porclain with a matching lid, the piece is first fired with a clear glaze and then it is painted with overglaze enamels in his particular style and in this case of the wispy, lively aspara style figures floating freely about the base of the piece. Considering the normal atmosphere and formality of enamel painting, there is a casual feel to this piece which makes it very inviting and thoroughly functional whether it is used for matcha or sea salt, it has a place in almost any household. I hope this short slideshow video conveys the sense of playfulness that I had while handling this pot and gives a glint into Hasegawa Sojin's unique Yosai style.