Sencha cup with poem c. 19th century

This delicate sencha cup was created by Ōtagaki Rengetsu, a Buddhist nun and artist, in nineteenth-century Japan. It is made of earthenware, a humble material, and is covered in a subtle white glaze. What makes this cup special is the poem inscribed on its surface. Rengetsu was known for her calligraphy and poetry, and she often combined these skills with her ceramics. The poem, carved directly into the clay, gives the cup a personal and intimate quality. You can almost feel Rengetsu's hand at work, shaping the clay and inscribing the words. The poem itself speaks to the fleeting nature of life, a common theme in Buddhist art. By combining the earthy, practical form of a teacup with profound reflections, Rengetsu blurred the boundaries between art, craft, and spiritual practice. It reminds us that even the simplest objects can be imbued with meaning and beauty.