Vintage Japanese Matcha Caddy "肩衝茶入 Katatsuki Chaire" with a silk bag, Tea Ceremony

In tea ceremony, a host entertains guests with a lot of items carefully chosen.  There are three items which are superior to others and a host brings to tea rooms at last before making tea. They are "茶碗 chawan" ,tea bowl, ”茶入 chaire", tea container and "茶杓 chasyaku", tea spoon.

There are two main types of matcha, prepared in the tea ceremony: Koicha (thick tea) and Usucha (thin tea). The Chaire is a ceramic container specifically for holding the matcha used for Koicha. Originally, those imported from China were highly valued, and later, similar pieces began to be produced in Japan.
During the era of Sen no Rikyu, the Chaire was considered the most expensive and valuable item among all tea utensils, sometimes possessing a worth equal to or even greater than a feudal castle.

This shape of Chaire is called as "肩衝 katatsuki".  It is one of classic forms of tea caddy, distinct for its angular design. The name Katatsuki literally means 'shoulder-sloping' or 'jutting shoulder,' referring to the way the upper part of the body is broad and squared-off rather than having a gentle curve. While its angular shoulder lends a strong, imposing appearance, this particular chaire possesses a feminine and elegant impression because it gently widens toward the base before narrowing again into a rounded bottom. Furthermore, it foregoes the standard black iron glaze, instead featuring a coating of transparent glaze over white clay. The broad, slightly tinted rivulets of glaze trailing from the shoulder evoke an almost sensual allure.　The lid, which features a very small knob, is lined with gold leaf on the part that fits inside the chaire.

The circular pattern on the base is the mark created when the chaire is cut free from the potter's wheel using a string.This mark only achieves a beautiful pattern if the string is pulled rhythmically. This subtle feature is considered one of the key points of appreciation for the chaire.

In a traditional tea ceremony, the chaire is carried within a cloth bag known as a "仕覆 shifuku". These shifuku are often made from rare, antique fabrics and are always tailored to complement the chaire's origin and aesthetic. For this particular chaire, a silk bag featuring vertical stripes accented with gold crests has been specially commissioned.

The chaire is further housed within a custom wooden box bearing an authenticated signature.

□ Size : H 4.3in  x W 2in  (11cm x 5cm)
□ Weight : 3.5oz (99g)
□ Material : ceramic, gold, shell, silk
□ Boxed :  with sign wooden box　

condition...
It is in very good condition, ready to use.