A stately deep wan-gata tea bowl in the Awata tradition of Kyoto decorated with eggplants in an image reminiscent of the famous persimmons of Muchi. It is signed by Chief abbot of Daitokuji Temple Taiko Sogen and enclosed in a modern Kiri-wood collectors box. The bowl is 12.5 cm (5 inches) diameter, 7 cm (just less than 3 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Taikō Sōgen (1772-1857) was a prominent Zen monk of the Rinzai school and served as the 435th head abbot of Daitokuji Temple. His given name was Sōhiko, and he also went by the names Kōka and Saku-mu. Originally from Kyoto he entered Kōbai-in temple at the age of six and was ordained as a monk. Known for his talent in poetry, calligraphy, and painting, he associated with prominent tea figures such as the 10th-generation Sen Sōsa and the 11th-generation Sen Sōshitsu.
