Collection
Brazier Named “Sazanami” (Rippling Waves)
| Brazier Named “Sazanami” (Rippling Waves) |
Designed by Ii Naosuke; cast iron with wave design and Naosuke’s poem; height 17.0 cm, mouth diameter 24.7 cm; Edo period, 19th century; Gift of the Ii Family |
This brazier is cut low in the front. The sides of the body are cast with a design of mountain-like waves and a poem by Naosuke, along with a stylized signature (kaō). The poem goes: Oki wataru / kaze sae miete / sazanami no / yosekuru ura zo / suzushi karikeri (Even the wind is visible / crossing over the sea / The rippling waves / breaking in the inlet / bring cool). A sketch of this brazier remains that was drawn by Naosuke himself, suggesting it was a tea utensil made to his taste. The surface damage testifies to the fire it survived following the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
