This unusual Oribe ware ceramic tea bowl (“chawan”) is hand potted from buff colored clay which is covered with a rich clear creamy glaze and freely painted with sparse iron oxide decoration. Early 20th century, Showa period. The two sides of the bowl, which were sliced when the clay was still soft and crimped together to resemble a fold, are covered with a thick mottled blue/green copper drip glaze. This technique adds a unique characteristic and lends a graceful curve to the profile of the bowl, which rests upon a raised unglazed circular foot ring. The top of the rim and the front and back sides were painted in iron oxide. Although unsigned, the bowl was clearly made by an expert craftsman. It shows very fine potting rings and a perfect swirl on the inside center. Its age is evidenced by the heavily crazed glaze. Oribe ware, a folk pottery produced in kilns located in Mino and Seto, is particularly Japanese in taste and was never made for export. Its bold and spontaneous designs and contours were generally asymmetrically executed in styles that were distinct, imaginative and vigorous. Oribe pottery derives its name from Furuta Oribe, a famous 16th century tea master. His influence over the pottery production of his day led to the development of a certain type of ware that was later named after him, nearly all relating in some way to the tea ceremony. Folk-craft products or “mingei,” of which this chawan is representative, are objects used by common people. These commonplace, functional artifacts are endowed with a beauty directly connected with their utility – a beauty that is simple, humble and unassuming. With its great character and finely made form, this chawan would be a wonderful accessory for any tea ceremony. CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 4 ¼” (10.8 cm) diameter, 2 3/8” (6 cm) high.
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