A Shiko-Shinsha chaire (tea caddy): a crystallisation of flame and aesthetic sense, holding the worth of a castle.

Worth a Province and a Castle
The chaire was once coveted by the warlords of the Warring States period as “worth a province and a castle”, and has been called the “king of tea utensils” — the vessel to which they entrusted their dreams of ruling the land and their ultimate sense of beauty. This Shiko-Shinsha chaire is a “jewel in the palm” that carries that history and philosophy into the present day.

A Colour Born of Flame
A deep, sensuous purple-crimson spreads across the surface. It is a miraculous colour, unlike any other in the world, born where 400 years of Arita ware tradition meet the finest kiln transformation techniques of today, at the end of a dialogue with an uncontrollable reduction-firing flame of close to 1,300°C. The very “memory of the flame”, into which Shinemon II poured his whole spirit, is distilled here.

A Quiet Ritual
A depth of purple-crimson that seems to draw you in; the smooth feel of the glaze. All of it frees you from the bustle of daily life — a “quiet ritual” that leads you into a realm of refined spirit.

Joining a Lineage of Beauty
To own this work is to take your place in a lineage of beauty. Why not let it become a “testament” to your own sense of beauty, and begin a new story, one to be handed down to the next generation?

About Arita Ware
Arita ware is the origin of Japanese porcelain. In 1616, under the rule of the Saga domain lord Naoshige Nabeshima, pottery stone was found in what is now Saga Prefecture and production began. Because the wares were made in Arita and shipped from the port of Imari, they are also known as Imari ware. Carried to Europe by the Dutch East India Company — the only trading partner permitted during Japan’s period of national seclusion — the porcelain was called “white gold” and furnished the courts of royalty and nobility.

Why a Paulownia Box
Paulownia wood is light, resists moisture and insects, and moves with changes in humidity — which is why it has been used in Japan for centuries to store what is valuable. A piece delivered in a paulownia box arrives ready to give, and the box itself is part of the gift.

Contents and Dimensions
Chaire (tea caddy) × 1, paulownia box, booklet.
Height: 17cm, Diameter: 6cm / Lid diameter: 3.5cm, Foot diameter: 4.2cm / Body: 144g, With box: 270g
As each piece is handmade, slight variations in size may occur.