This water pitcher, favored by Rikyu, uses straight-grained Japanese cypress wood, secured with iron nails, and features a single-character corner handle with a two-piece split lid. It was crafted by the renowned artisan Yuken, the second generation of the Iwaki family. Although it is nearly 100 years old, the pleasant aroma of cypress emanates when water is added. Furthermore, it has a written inscription by Tantansai, making it suitable for important tea ceremonies. On the underside of the lid, Tantansai has written, "Rikyu-style tsurube mizusashi, Summer of Showa Kanmi (1931), Today's Master (with a signature)." *Showa Kanmi...Showa 6 (1931). The accompanying box has the mark "Shimonoshi Yuken" on the underside. As is often seen with old tsurube mizusashi, a small amount of water may leak out initially, but after soaking it overnight (or immersing it), the wood will expand and become completely watertight. There are overall stains, but these are due to the cypress (natural wood) and are not considered dirt, so please be assured. Comes with a matching box. Top (with lid) 21.5 cm x 21 cm (7 sun 1 bu 5 rin x 7 sun) Bottom 18.8 cm x 18 cm Height (including handle) 17.5 cm ▢ 14th generation Urasenke Tantansai Soshitsu 1893-1964 The 14th head of the Urasenke school of tea ceremony. The eldest son of the 13th generation Urasenke Ennosai. 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 formed the Tankokai to unify the school and established the International Tea Ceremony Culture Association for overseas promotion and cultural exchange. He received the Order of the Precious Crown, the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Third Class, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon. He died in a hotel in Hokkaido in 1964 at the age of 71. ▢ 2nd generation Iwaki Yuken (1901-1943) Woodworker. The eldest son of the first generation Yuken. The first generation Iwaki Yuken (1875-1926) gave the name "Yuken" to the second generation in his later years. He carefully crafted the Imperial Household utensils for the Showa Emperor's grand ceremony. Died at the age of 43. #Why not have your own tea utensils? #Chawan-ya Shokudo #TeaUtensils #TeaCeremony #Mizusashi #Tsurube #KyotoAn #Urasenke #SenSoshitsu #SenRikyu #Tantansai #Sekiso #Mugensai #IwakiYuken #TeaCeremony #AntiqueArt #Antiques #kyoto #Kyoto #Tea #Beauty #Art #Stylish #TeaRoom #TeaCeremony #TeaParty