Ryoichi Fujioka, 1973
Weatherhill/Shibundo, Toyko and New York
TopOld Seto tea caddy displayed on a Chinese lacquer tray.
"the highly esteemed Chinese tea caddies were customarily displayed on lacquer trays in the tearoom, as a gesture of respect" (Fujioka 1973:40).
I have begun to look at trays as a method of display and adding value, and as a functional item.
Bottom
Cloth bags for Seto tea caddy.
Tea caddies were highly ornamental and often had one or more brocade bags that were made from carefully chosen imported Chinese textiles (Fujioka 1973:43).
"In addition to soft cloth bags, sturdier containers were also provided for the protection of the tea caddy. In its bag or bags, the caddy fits into a lathe turned cylindrical container, or hikiya, made exactly to its proportions. The hiyika in turn is placed in a wooden box, and famous tea caddies generally have an outer box as well." (Fujioka 1973:46).
I like this combination of materials; ceramic, textiles and wood, and the care taken with the storage of the precious tea caddy.
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