Sodeshi Ware: "A Bookmark for the Lotus Leaf Plate Beloved by Dr. Hearn" (Frog Incense Holder)

The incense holder is a replica of a pen tray favored by Lafcadio Hearn, created by Sodeshi-yaki Pottery in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

About the Lotus Leaf Dish Bookmark...
Mr. Hearn was very fond of the lotus pond located north of his former residence in Kitahoricho, Matsue City. We can learn from his writings that he particularly enjoyed watching the lotus grow in this pond. He also loved the frogs living in the pond. There is an anecdote that snakes from nearby would sometimes come out from behind the storehouse on the left side of the pond to catch frogs, so his entire household protected the frogs. Mr. Hearn would say, "I will treat you, so please stop catching the frogs," and would leave leftover meat from his meal on a plate on the stone steps of the storehouse for the snakes. Mr. Hearn, who was fascinated by lotuses and frogs, sought out a ceramic dish with a frog on a lotus leaf. He always kept this dish on his desk and put his pen nibs in it so that his children wouldn't get injured if the nibs scattered. This lotus leaf dish is a replica of that beloved discarded pen tray, made at the Sodeshi kiln.