This auspicious phrase, "Sen'un Yokojuzan," expresses the wish for longevity and prosperity, written by the master Tankankai. He replaced the character "擁 (embrace)" with the more approachable "横 (across)." As it is written by the Urasenke school's master, it can be used with confidence at important tea ceremonies. Judging from the calligraphy and kao (signature), it is believed to be from his later years. The shared box has the inscription "Jigo Goji Ichigyo Sen'un Kyo no Aruji (kao)" on the inside of the lid. The jiku-saki (roller ends) are lacquered in a tameri style with a swirling maki-e design favored by Tankankai. Upon close inspection, small stains can be seen near the rakkan (signature) and on the upper part of the mounting (photos 16 and 17). Please consider this as age-related change, as it has been over 60 years since it was written. The overall condition when hung on the tokonoma (alcove) is good. The box is also clean.
Shared box. Paper. Lacquered jiku (tameri lacquer, Tankankai's favorite swirling maki-e design)
Length 185cm, Width 30.8cm (including mounting)
"Sen'un Yokojuzan"
[Reading]
Sen'un Jūzan ni yokotau
[Meaning]
Both "Sen'un" and "Jūzan" are extremely auspicious words. It describes the scene of "Sen'un" spreading over the mountain symbolizing longevity, that is, a beautiful scene celebrating longevity and good fortune.
・Sen'un (仙雲): Clouds drifting over the mountains where immortals are said to live. It means mysterious and pure clouds.
・Jūzan (寿山): A mountain symbolizing longevity. An auspicious word from ancient China, representing longevity and prosperity.
・Yokotau (横たう): The state of spreading widely.
▢ Urasenke 14th generation Tankankai Soshitsu
Born 1893, Died 1964
The 14th head of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony. The eldest son of the 13th generation Ennosai of Urasenke. His childhood name was Masanosuke, and his art name was Sekiso. He succeeded as the head of the school at the age of 30. He established the Tankokai to unify the school and founded the International Tea Ceremony Culture Association for overseas promotion and cultural exchange. He received the Konju Hosho, the Purple Ribbon Medal, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Third Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. He died in a lodging in Hokkaido in 1964 at the age of 71.
[References]
Kao of Tea Masters, Kawahara Shoten
Rakkan Kao Daijiten, Tankosha
Chagake no Zengo Jiten, Tankosha
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