Nasu-gata Cha-ire with Silk Oshidori Shifuku – Japanese Koicha Tea Caddy

Nasu-gata Cha-ire with Silk Oshidori Shifuku

A refined Nasu-gata Cha-ire (茄子形茶入) accompanied by a shoken (正絹, pure silk) shifuku featuring a traditional Oshidori-mon (鴛鴦文) design.

Nasu-gata – The Eggplant Form

Nasu-gata (茄子形) is one of the traditional forms of cha-ire used in Chanoyu. Named for its resemblance to the softly rounded shape of a Japanese eggplant, the form is appreciated for its compact proportions, gentle curves, and balanced silhouette.

A cha-ire (茶入) is traditionally used to hold matcha for the preparation of koicha (thick tea). In Chanoyu, the cha-ire is treated as an important utensil, and its form, glaze, lid, and accompanying shifuku all contribute to the character and presentation of the piece.

Pure Silk Shifuku with Oshidori Motif

This cha-ire is accompanied by a shifuku (仕覆) made from shoken (正絹), or pure silk, decorated with an elegant Oshidori-mon (鴛鴦文) motif.

Oshidori, or mandarin ducks, have long been regarded in Japanese art as a symbol of harmonious partnership, marital happiness, and enduring affection. Traditionally depicted as a pair, they are a well-known auspicious motif associated with close and lasting relationships.

The patterned silk shifuku is not simply a protective covering. Within Chanoyu, the textile, weave, pattern, and drawstring of a shifuku become part of the aesthetic appreciation of the cha-ire itself.

Together, the classical Nasu-gata form and richly patterned silk shifuku create a tea utensil with both visual elegance and traditional meaning.

A beautiful choice for koicha, chakai, and formal Chanoyu settings, as well as for collectors of traditional Japanese tea utensils.

Details

• Type: Cha-ire (茶入)

• Form: Nasu-gata (茄子形) – Eggplant Form

• Use: Koicha / Thick Tea

• Includes: Shifuku (仕覆)

• Shifuku Material: Shoken (正絹) – Pure Silk

• Shifuku Motif: Oshidori-mon (鴛鴦文) – Mandarin Ducks

• Made in Japan