FEATURES ARCHIVE

In the 17th century, Matsuo Basho, the great haikai poet, often wrote about how difficult it is to "notice" change in the world around us, because change is a constant. This sentiment remains true today. In the Japanese tea room, host and guest enter a realm where it becomes important, essential even, to "notice" things. Seeing the beautiful floral arrangement, feeling the tatami mats underfoot, smelling the sweet fragrance of incense, and listening to the soothing sound of hot water being poured into a tea bowl – by noticing, and appreciating, each of these small but significant details, the sensory experience of tea becomes complete.

One must also take care to "notice" the utensils that have been selected for use in a tea gathering. This September, our auction of Japanese & Korean Art will present a special single-owner collection of implements for Japanese tea practice. Each of them promises to command the attention of both longtime collectors and curious newcomers. As you will see, each work provides an essential contribution to the event itself. Highlights of this selection will include a selection of tea bowls, serving dishes and tea caddies, some offered in their original signed boxes, others in boxes authenticated by tea connoisseurs. We will also feature a highly prized bamboo tea scoop made by the famous 16th century tea master Sen no Rikyu. A 13th-14th century Chinese tea storage jar named Chigusa (wildflowers) is accompanied by a letter written by Rikyu authenticating its storied provenance.