Vintage Japanese Matcha Caddy "文琳茶入 Bunrin 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 "文琳茶入 Bunrin chaire",one of the most highly esteemed and classic forms of chaire. Its name, Bunrin, is widely believed to be derived from the word for apple , as its defining characteristic is a body that is nearly spherical, giving it a notably gentle, smooth, and stable appearance. Unlike "Katatsuki (shoulder-sloping)" form, which emphasizes angular definition,  Bunrin is admired for its soft, continuous curves that flow uninterruptedly from the narrow neck down to the base. This beautiful, rounded shape originated in China and is therefore categorized as Karamono, holding the highest prestige among all chaire. Consequently, many Bunrin chaire are recognized as masterworks and have been treasured historical artifacts for centuries.

The glaze is smooth and reflective, a mirror-like black, with white and brown hues blending and trailing down from the shoulder to form the scenic view of this chaire. The lid, which features a very small knob, is lined with gold leaf on the part that fits inside 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 pink bag Pink woven with mythical creatures, such as the Kirin has been specially commissioned.

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

□ Size : H 2.6in  x W 2.6n  (6.7cm x 6.5cm)
□ Weight : 2.7oz (77g)
□ Material : porcelain, gold, shell, silk
□ Boxed :  with sign wooden box　

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