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Up for sale is this "Toyama Mitsuru (1855-1944) Antique SHINO pottery teabowl #5045" If you have any questions please contact us before buy it. No reserve.
Higtht: approx. 7.5 cm (2 61⁄64 in)
Width: approx. 12.5 cm (4 59⁄64 in)
Weight: 311g
Condition: urushi lacquer fixed in bottom
Tōyama Mitsuru, known as "Kokushi Musō" (the unparalleled patriot), was a leading figure of nationalism in the Shōwa era and was referred to as a giant of the time. As the leader of the Gen'yōsha, he became a pillar of many ideologies. He is also known for supporting independence movements across Asia and for being the mentor of Nakamura Tempū.
He was born as the third son of Fukuoka Domain samurai Tsutsui Kamesaku in Nishijin-machi, Sawara-gun, Chikuzen Province on April 12, 1855. From a young age, he was known for his excellent memory and sharp eloquence. At the age of eleven, he planted a camphor tree with the aspiration of becoming a person like Kusunoki Masashige. This tree can still be seen in Nishijin Green Space, on the north side of the site of his birthplace (now Nishijin Elm Mall Praliva).
Gen'yōsha was a pioneering entity in Japan's civilian nationalist movement. After becoming an advisor to the Black Dragon Society at the recommendation of his disciple Uchida Ryōhei, Tōyama became known as a prominent figurehead and mastermind among the continent adventurers. He had extensive connections in the political world, including figures such as Torio Koyata, Inukai Tsuyoshi, and Hirota Kōki, and also had a side as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In October 1944, he peacefully passed away at the age of 89 in his mountain villa overlooking Mount Fuji in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture. At the time of his funeral conducted by the Tōyama family, an unprecedented event occurred: a procession with lanterns escorted the party from Hakata Station to En’ōji Temple. It is said that the number of attendees ranged from ten thousand to twenty thousand people. These anecdotes reveal his esteemed and respected character.
Today, next to Tōyama Mitsuru's gravestone at En’ōji Temple, there is a camphor tree planted just like the one he planted in his youth aspiring to be like Kusunoki Masashige. Additionally, the temple houses various items related to the Tōyama family, including a donated large front desk (which was destroyed in a fire), his own Takatori-yaki seated statue, and a calligraphy work "Fūfu Sōwa" created jointly with his wife, Mineo.