泉屋博古館的這件黃天目是小堀遠州的舊藏，參加過無數次的著名茶會並有著非常詳細的記錄。通體彩光，仕覆為級別十分高的「金地二重蔓牡丹紋金襴」，配朱漆天目台。
雖然乍看其貌不揚，但細看則千變萬化，漸變的淺黃色，由口沿至足部逐漸轉為深褐色，最出彩的是，在腰部胎釉結合處，竟有藍紫色的變化，如夕陽幻彩。
其獨特的釉色和二重釉所彰顯出來的獨特「景色」，毫無疑問地獲得了小堀遠州的認可。這件器物經千種屋 — 平瀨家，最終被住友家族的「住友春翠」收藏。
「鷰」
1.同「燕」。《韓非子．喻老》：「甲冑生機蝨，鷰雀處帷幄。」
2.「鷰濯」：古代一種遊戲。《文選．張衡．西京賦》：「衝狹鷰濯，胷突銛鋒。」唐．李善．注：「鷰濯，以盤水置前，坐其後，踊身張手跳前，以足偶節踰水，復卻坐，如鷰之浴也。」
黃天目 銘「鷰」- 泉屋博古館
「中興名物」
這只茶碗因釉藥呈現出微透明的黃色光澤而被歸類為黃天目。從高台向下延伸時，黑色逐漸變厚，尤其是一條細長的黑色流線，如燕尾一般，被稱為「鷰」。其形狀是天目碗的典型形制，但在高台旁邊有一段平坦的削痕，高台內部也被淺削，呈現出灰被天目的特徵，因此再次展示出黃天目與灰被天目分類上的不易。
往內看，從見込開始，色調逐漸從黃色變為褐色再到黑色，並在過程中顯現出虹色光澤。建議在自然光線下欣賞，能更好地感受到它在光線下不斷變幻的美感。
照片來源：毛冠帥
This tea bowl is classified as a yellow tenmoku due to its glaze, which exudes a subtly transparent yellow sheen. As it extends downward from the foot, the black glaze gradually thickens, with one particularly fine black stream resembling a swallowtail, known as “Tsubame.” Its form follows the typical shape of a tenmoku bowl, but with a flat shaved area around the foot and a shallow carving within the foot, showing characteristics of a hai-kaburi tenmoku. This further highlights the complexity and challenge of distinguishing between yellow tenmoku and hai-kaburi tenmoku.
Looking inside, the color transitions from yellow at the bottom to brown and eventually black, with a subtle iridescence appearing along the way. It is best appreciated under natural light to experience the continuously shifting beauty of its hues in different lighting conditions.
This piece of yellow tenmoku from the Sen-oku Hakukokan was once part of Kobori Enshu's collection. It has been featured in numerous famous tea gatherings and has highly detailed documentation. The glaze shines brightly across the surface, and it is accompanied by an extremely high-grade shifuku (silk pouch) with a gold-ground, double-layered vine and peony pattern, paired with a red-lacquered tenmoku stand.
At first glance, it may appear unremarkable, but closer inspection reveals an array of subtle transformations. The pale yellow glaze gradually transitions from the rim to a deep brown near the foot. The most remarkable feature lies where the glaze meets the clay at the midsection, displaying an unexpected blue-violet hue reminiscent of sunset hues.
The unique glaze colors and dual-glaze effects that create a distinctive "scenery" undoubtedly earned Kobori Enshu’s admiration. This piece passed through the hands of the Chigusa House (Hirase family) and was ultimately acquired by Sumitomo Shunsui of the Sumitomo family.
Yellow Tenmoku FAQ
What is a yellow tenmoku?
A yellow tenmoku is a type of Chinese tea bowl known for its subtly transparent yellow glaze. The glaze can vary in shade, transitioning to brown and black towards the foot of the bowl.
What makes this particular yellow tenmoku special?
This specific yellow tenmoku, once owned by the famous tea master Kobori Enshu, is notable for several reasons:
Unique glaze transitions: The pale yellow glaze deepens to brown and black near the foot. At the point where the glaze meets the clay, it displays a striking blue-violet hue.
"Tsubame" feature: A distinctive thin black line in the glaze resembles a swallowtail, earning it the name "Tsubame".
Historical significance: The bowl has been featured in numerous prominent tea ceremonies and has detailed documentation. It was also owned by prestigious collectors like the Chigusa and Sumitomo families.
What is the meaning of the inscription "鷰" (Yàn) on the bowl?
"鷰" is an alternative character for "燕" (Yàn), meaning "swallow". The inscription likely refers to the "Tsubame" feature, the swallowtail-like black line in the glaze.
Does the inscription have any other meanings?
"鷰" also refers to "鷰濯" (Yànzhuó), an ancient Chinese game involving leaping over a basin of water, mimicking the movements of a bathing swallow.
What are the challenges in classifying this bowl?
While categorized as a yellow tenmoku, the bowl exhibits features of a hai-kaburi tenmoku, specifically the flat shaved area around the foot and shallow carving inside. This overlap makes a definitive classification difficult.
What is the best way to appreciate the beauty of this bowl?
It is recommended to view the bowl under natural light. The shifting light conditions will highlight the subtle iridescence and continuously changing hues of the glaze.
What is a shifuku?
A shifuku is a silk pouch used to store and protect precious tea bowls. This particular yellow tenmoku is accompanied by a high-grade shifuku featuring a gold-ground pattern of double-layered vines and peonies.
Where is this yellow tenmoku currently located?
This yellow tenmoku is part of the collection at the Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum in Kyoto, Japan.
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