Solving the mystery of Hokuro
Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2025 7:02 am
I recently acquired this little pot from a seller in Japan. I love the "beauty mark" near the rim and have decided to call the teapot Hokuro.
The teapot has no markings, and the inside was quite dirty, making it difficult to see any tooling marks. However, when I rub my finger inside, I can feel a seam where the handle is attached. The pot’s body is also not entirely symmetrical. Additionally, the teapot is not as vitrified as my modern clay teapots—the sound when I lightly tap it is duller.
I received some translation help on Reddit with the box label and seal. The label reads 朱泥袋手大急須: Vermillion bag hand large teapot (though “large” seems a bit odd since the teapot is small and fits perfectly in the box). The seal is possibly 片埜南陽書画清X, which appears to be a collector’s seal used by the artist 片野南陽 (Katano Nanyō).
I found a short biography of Katano Nanyō (1840–1882):
"Born in Gotango, Anpachi County, in 1831. His given name was Ryuzo, and his pen name was Shin. He called his study 'Ranshu Shoya.' At a young age, he became a disciple of the Chinese scholar Aoki Tozan and studied poetry and prose, as well as painting under Yamamoto Baiitsu. Along with his father, Katano Manyemon, he worked on flood control projects while also collecting and appreciating calligraphy and antiques, devoting himself to improving his painting skills. In the early Meiji period, as head of Shigo village, he worked hard to promote the local area. He died in 1882 at the age of 43."
I have since cleaned up the pot and now regularly use it for shou puerh.
Are there any clues in the shape of the teapot that could help date it more precisely?
The teapot has no markings, and the inside was quite dirty, making it difficult to see any tooling marks. However, when I rub my finger inside, I can feel a seam where the handle is attached. The pot’s body is also not entirely symmetrical. Additionally, the teapot is not as vitrified as my modern clay teapots—the sound when I lightly tap it is duller.
I received some translation help on Reddit with the box label and seal. The label reads 朱泥袋手大急須: Vermillion bag hand large teapot (though “large” seems a bit odd since the teapot is small and fits perfectly in the box). The seal is possibly 片埜南陽書画清X, which appears to be a collector’s seal used by the artist 片野南陽 (Katano Nanyō).
I found a short biography of Katano Nanyō (1840–1882):
"Born in Gotango, Anpachi County, in 1831. His given name was Ryuzo, and his pen name was Shin. He called his study 'Ranshu Shoya.' At a young age, he became a disciple of the Chinese scholar Aoki Tozan and studied poetry and prose, as well as painting under Yamamoto Baiitsu. Along with his father, Katano Manyemon, he worked on flood control projects while also collecting and appreciating calligraphy and antiques, devoting himself to improving his painting skills. In the early Meiji period, as head of Shigo village, he worked hard to promote the local area. He died in 1882 at the age of 43."
I have since cleaned up the pot and now regularly use it for shou puerh.
Are there any clues in the shape of the teapot that could help date it more precisely?
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