Edo Period Ceramics: Jars, Platters, and Everyday Masterpieces

• Object Number: #JCV529

• Title: Monumental Storage Jar with Natural Ash Glaze (大壺 - Ōtsubo)

• Place of Origin: Japan (日本)

• Artist: Unknown Maker

• Period: Momoyama to Early Edo Period (桃山時代 - 江戸時代初期)

• Date: Late 16th - 17th Century

• Materials: High-fired stoneware with natural wood ash glaze (自然釉 - Shizen-yū)

• Style or Ware: Tamba ware (丹波焼 - Tamba-yaki)

• Dimensions: - D: 37.0 cm H: 42.3 cm

• Department: Japanese Art

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A monumental, coil-built Tamba stoneware storage jar (ōtsubo). The unglazed, iron-rich reddish-brown lower body starkly contrasts with a heavy, glassy yellowish-green natural ash glaze (shizen-yū) that cascades in dramatic rivulets down the rounded shoulders.

• Description: This vessel exemplifies Old Tamba (Ko-Tamba 古丹波) transitional wares. The volumetric, swelling profile and precisely rolled neck rim distinguish it from earlier, angular Muromachi forms, indicating its likely repurposing as a prestigious leaf-tea storage jar (chatsubo 茶壺) by tea masters of the era. The thick natural glaze is the result of flying wood ash settling on the shoulders during extended firing at temperatures exceeding 1200°C.

• Object Number: #JCV530

• Title: Large Stoneware Jar (Tsubo 大壺) with Natural Ash Glaze

• Place of Origin: Japan (Tokoname Kilns, Aichi Prefecture)

• Artist: Unknown 

• Period: Late Muromachi to Early Momoyama Period

• Date: 16th Century

• Materials: Stoneware (Iron-rich clay), Natural Ash Glaze

• Style or Ware: Tokoname-yaki (常滑焼)

• Dimensions: D: 30.0cm H: 36.5cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese  Collection

• Description: A large, high-shouldered stoneware jar featuring a rugged yakishime (high-fired unglazed) body. The upper section is covered in a thick, naturally occurring wood-ash glaze that has vitrified into a translucent amber hue with visible flow lines. The body is characterized by vertical tool marks and a rich, variegated surface ranging from deep charcoal to ferruginous red.

• Note: The presence of heavy koge (scorch marks) and the specific flow pattern of the ash glaze indicate a significant duration in a climbing kiln (anagama), typical of medieval Tokoname production before the standardization of the Edo period.

• Object Number: #JCV528

• Title: Large Four-Lugged Storage Jar (Shijiko-tsubo) with Natural Ash Glaze

• Place of Origin: Japan (日本)

• Artist: Unknown (Mumei - 無銘)

• Period: Early Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: 17th Century

• Materials: High-fired unglazed stoneware (Yakishime - 焼締め) with natural wood-ash glaze (Shizen-yū - 自然釉)

• Style or Ware: Tokoname Ware (常滑焼) or Tamba Ware (丹波焼)

• Dimensions: - D: 37.0cm H: 42.0cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: This monumental early Edo period storage jar (tsubo - 壺) features a commanding ovoid form tapering to a small flat base, a distinctively collared neck, and four sturdy lug handles (shijiko - 四耳). Fired in a traditional wood-burning tunnel kiln (anagama - 穴窯), the dark, iron-rich stoneware body (tsuchi-aji - 土味) is elevated by a dramatic natural ash glaze. During the intense firing process, airborne wood ash melted across the shoulder, cascading downward to create dynamic, jewel-like olive-green drips (bidoro - ビードロ) that contrast masterfully against the rustic, unglazed lower body.

• Object Number: #JCV543

• Title: Shigaraki Storage Jar (壺 - Tsubo)

• Place of Origin: Shiga Prefecture, Japan (滋賀県, 日本)

• Artist: Anonymous

• Period: Muromachi Period (室町時代 - Muromachi jidai)

• Date: 15th – 16th Century

• Materials: Unglazed high-fired stoneware with natural wood ash glaze (炻器, 自然釉 - shizen-yū)

• Style or Ware: Shigaraki ware (信楽焼 - Shigaraki-yaki)

• Dimensions: - D: 31cm H: 37cm

• Department: Asian Art

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A powerful medieval Shigaraki storage jar exhibiting the classic high-shouldered profile and coil-built construction (紐作り - himo-zukuri) characteristic of the Muromachi period. The coarse, unrefined clay body (荒土 - aratuchi) has fired to a warm reddish-orange (緋色 - hiiro) and is deeply textured by erupting feldspar and quartz inclusions (石爆 - ishihaze).

• Note: The vessel is distinguished by an exceptional cascade of natural wood ash glaze. Fired in a single-chamber tunnel kiln (穴窯 - anagama), the flying ash (飛灰 - tobihai) fused to the wall facing the firebox, creating a thick, highly vitrified, olive-green flow with complex crazing (貫入 - kannyū).

• Description: Originally serving an agrarian function, robust vessels of this caliber were later elevated by tea masters for use in the tea ceremony (茶の湯 - chanoyu). The intense natural kiln effects on this specific jar represent the pinnacle of medieval Shigaraki production, standing entirely on par with institutional examples at the Miho Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

• Object Number: #JCV628

• Title: Old Bizen Three-Eared Jar, Authenticated by Katsura Matasaburō (Ko-Bizen San-mimi Tsubo,  | 古備前三耳壺 桂又三郎 識)

• Place of Origin: Imbe, Bizen Province, Japan

• Artist: Unknown Master Potter

• Period: Momoyama Period (桃山時代)

• Date: Late 16th Century

• Materials: Unglazed high-fired stoneware

• Style or Ware: Bizen Ware (Bizen-yaki | 備前焼)

• Dimensions: H: 24.3 cm D: 21.0 cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A robust storage jar (tsubo) dating to the Momoyama period, constructed from iron-rich clay with a distinctively heavy, unglazed body. The vessel features a wide mouth and three looped lug handles (mimi) on the shoulder, a form evolved from medieval Sue ware. The surface displays a rich, dark charcoal patina resulting from a reduction atmosphere in the kiln, contrasted by natural ash glaze (shizen-yu) that has settled into a sesame-seed pattern (goma). A prominent, incised "X" mark—a kiln mark (kama-jirushi)—identifies the specific maker or workshop within the communal kiln system of the era.

• Note: The accompanying tomobako (storage box) lid bears the inscription: "Work of the Momoyama Period" (桃山時代之作) alongside the signature and seal of the renowned scholar Katsura Matasaburō (桂又三郎). This hakogakirepresents the highest standard of scholarly verification for Old Bizen ware.

• Object Number: #JCV488

• Title: Large Tea-leaf storage jar, Sobokai type - "Bosom of Grandmother"

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Early to Mid-Edo Period 

• Date: approx. 1650–1750

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Seto ware, Sobokai type.

• Dimensions: H: 36.0cm 14.17Inches D: 32.0cm. 12.52Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note:  A distinguished example of official Seto ware (Goyogama), this large tea leaf storage jar features a commanding four-lugged shoulder (yojiko) and a lustrous iron-brown glaze (tetsu-yu) typical of the Edo period’s refined production. The vessel was designed for the long-term storage of high-grade matcha. The unglazed base bears the rare and prestigious incised signature "Sobokai" (祖母懐). This mark indicates the use of the legendary clay deposit discovered by the pottery founder Tōshirō—a resource strictly regulated by the Owari Tokugawa clan. While often found on small tea caddies, the presence of this signature on a large storage jar suggests a commission of significant status. A nearly identical vessel is currently held as a Designated Cultural Property by the Kariya City History Museum.

• Object Number: #JCV511

• Title: Ko-Iga Uzukumaru Jar with Higaki Pattern 

• Attribution: Japan, Iga or Shigaraki Kilns 

• Period: Momoyama Period (1573–1615) to Early Edo Period (17th Century) 

• Materials: Stoneware with natural wood ash glaze (bidoro)

• Dimensions: H: 27.5cm, D: 25.0cm

• Description: A powerful example of the Uzukumaru (crouching) jar form, emblematic of the wabi-sabi aesthetic favored by Momoyama period tea masters. The vessel is potted from coarse, iron-bearing clay and characterized by its broad, sloping shoulders and constricted neck. The shoulder is decorated with distinct Higaki (cypress fence) cross-hatching, a motif derived from medieval agrarian storage vessels.

• The piece is distinguished by a dramatic accumulation of natural ash glaze (shizen-yu) which has vitrified into a vivid green bidoro (glass) tear, flowing vertically across the incised geometric pattern. The surrounding surface exhibits a textured, craggy patina, contrasting the wet luminosity of the glaze with the dry, tactile quality of the fired clay. This jar represents the quintessential "found object" elevated to high art within the context of the Japanese tea ceremony.

• Object Number: #JCP454

• Title: Large Edo Period Charger with Christian symbols Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Early Edo Period (c. 1615–1644)

• Date: 17th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Stoneware (Mogusa clay) with iron oxide painting and thick feldspathic Shino glaze.

• Dimensions: D: 33.7cm H: 7.0cm

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A significant example of early Edo E-Shino (Picture Shino). The vessel features the prized "citron skin" (yuzuhada) glaze texture, contrasting vividly with the deep scarlet "fire color" (hi-iro) of the exposed clay. The iron-oxide design depicts the classical "Uji Bridge" scene—including a noble ox-cart wheel and river gabions—but functions as a "double meaning" artifact. Created during the post-1614 ban on Christianity, the stylized geometric motifs (Cross-in-Wheel, Ladder, and Fish) serve as camouflaged Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christian) iconography, making this a rare and historically vital devotional object disguised as a tea utensil. With wooden tomobako storage box.

• Object Number: #JCP457

• Title: Large Karatsu charger with plants decoration. Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 17th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Karatsu ware.

• Dimensions: D: 33.0cm 12.99Inches H: 6.7cm. 2.63Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A rare and important example of E-Karatsu (Picture Karatsu) stoneware, preserving the vigorous spirit of the Hizen kilns. The charger is wheel-thrown from coarse, iron-rich sandy clay, with prominent rokuro-me (wheel marks) left visible on the interior surface to enhance textural depth. The decoration features the classical Musashino (Autumn Grasses) motif, executed in rapid tetsu-e (iron painting) brushstrokes that exhibit the kasure effect, suggesting movement and wind. The entire piece is cloaked in a translucent feldspathic glaze that has matured to a deep, warm biwa (loquat) tone.

• Uniquely, this piece retains its original Daimyo Provenance. It is housed in a period black lacquer Tomobako emblazoned with the Maru ni Ken Katabami (Circle with Sword Wood Sorrel) crest in red lacquer. This heraldry identifies the charger as a former possession of the Sakai Clan, the hereditary Lords of Himeji Castle and chief advisors to the Tokugawa Shogun. This pairing of a large-scale rustic serving vessel with elite samurai lineage marks it as a significant cultural survivor, bridging the worlds of regional craft and feudal power.

• Object Number: #JCP492

• Title: Large Furuta Oribe flat Bowl With wooden box attested and signed with two seals by the art historian Katsura Matasaburo (1901-1986)

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 17th-18th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware:Mino Ware. Narumi Oribe

• Dimensions: D: 31.5cm 12.40Inches H: 7.0cm. 2.75Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A significant example of Ao-Oribe (Green Oribe) ware, this hira-bachi (flat serving bowl) illustrates the radical aesthetic shift initiated by the tea master Furuta Oribe. Rejecting the quiet symmetry of earlier styles, this vessel embraces hyouge—a deliberate, playful distortion of form. The rim is dramatically warped, and the surface is divided into bold zones of copper-green glaze (Oribe-yu) and white slip.

• The iron-oxide decoration depicts a landscape of the Musashino plain, featuring wild grasses and the "Genji Wheel" (Kata-waguruma) motif. The wheel, depicted half-submerged in a stream, is a poignant symbol of impermanence drawn from Heian literature (The Tale of Genji). The extensive use of imported textile patterns (sarasa) on the rim reflects the Momoyama period's fascination with the exotic (nanban).

• Significance: Authenticated by the scholar Katsura Matasaburo, this piece is notable for its exceptional size (31.5 cm). Such large vessels were an innovation of the Oribe style, designed for the communal serving of food during the Kaisekimeal, marking the integration of culinary presentation into the high art of Chanoyu.

Object Number: #JCP555

Title: Important Narumi Oribe Platter with Gourd Design

Place of Origin: Japan  

Title: Narumi Oribe "Gourd" Rectangular Platter (Book Piece) Period: Momoyama Period (Late 16th – Early 17th Century) Authentication: Hayashi Kagemasa (Prefectural Intangible Cultural Property)

Description: A monumental example of Narumi Oribe ware (37.5 cm) from the seminal Motoyashiki Kiln. This documented masterpiece is a recorded "Book Piece," published in the scholarly volume Chatou no Bi (Expanded Edition, p. 143).

The platter features a classic split-field composition: a deep, vitreous copper-green glaze (Ao-Oribe) contrasting with a white slip ground painted with iron-brown gourds (hyotan) and geometric waves. Its form exhibits the bold hizumi(intentional distortion) characteristic of the avant-garde aesthetic of Furuta Oribe.

The provenance is peerless: formerly in the collection of Seian-ji Temple—the ancestral temple of the founding Kato potting family—it represents a direct lineage to the creators of Mino ware. The box is inscribed and authenticated by the renowned potter and Intangible Cultural Property Holder Hayashi Kagemasa (1891–1988), who noted the extreme rarity of a platter of this magnitude surviving the firing process intact. The piece is accompanied by its original authenticated wood box (tomobako) inscribed by the Living National Treasure Hayashi Kagemasa (1891–1988). His inscription confirms the kiln origin, the extreme rarity of the size, and the provenance from Seian-ji Temple (the ancestral temple of the Mino potters), establishing this work as a significant cultural document.

• Object Number: #JCP236

• Title: E-Shino Hira-bachi

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Momoyama Period (1573–1615)

• Date: 16th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Mino ware Shino type.

• Dimensions: D: 20.0cm H: 4.0cm

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A rare 16th-century Japanese stoneware dish featuring calligraphic "Autumn Grass" motifs in underglaze iron. This piece exemplifies the Momoyama (1573–1615) aesthetic with its thick, "citron skin" Shino glaze and vibrant hi-iro (fire marks). Notably, it features rare painted motifs on the reverse, signaling a high-status vessel from the renowned Mino kilns. With a wooden tomobako storage box. 

• Object Number: #JCV527

• Title: Edo Period Shigaraki Jar

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 18th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Shigaraki ware.

• Dimensions: H: 17.5cm D: 17.0cm

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A striking example of Edo-period revival aesthetics, this lug-less storage jar features a rugged clay surface punctuated by feldspathic stone bursts (ishihaze) and a vibrant pooling of green natural ash glaze (bidoro). The base bears a rare post-firing mark in red lacquer (bengara). While stylistically camouflaged as a Buddhist manji, the deliberate elongation of the vertical axis identifies it as a Kakure Kirishitan (Hidden Christian) cruciform symbol (Sawada Typology), indicating the vessel was adapted for secret devotion during the prohibition era.

• Object Number: #JCB456

• Title: Large Mishima and Hakeme Style Bowl with Jadome (三島刷毛目平鉢)

• Place of Origin: Kyoto, Japan

• Artist: Attributed to Kiyomizu Rokubei (清水六兵衛)

• Period: Late Edo to Meiji Period

• Date: 19th Century

• Materials: Dark iron-rich stoneware with white slip inlay (Mishima) and brushed slip (Hakeme) under a translucent ash glaze

• Style or Ware: Kyō-yaki (京焼 - Kyoto Ware), Korean Buncheong Utsushi (写し)

• Dimensions: - D: 22.2 cm H: 8.6 cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection 

• Description: A 19th-century Kyoto homage (utsushi 写し) to classical Korean Buncheong wares, securely attributed to the 3rd Generation Kiyomizu Rokubei. The interior features meticulous Mishima (三島) slip-inlay with koyomi (暦) patterns, contrasted by bold Hakeme (刷毛目) brushwork on the exterior. The unglazed center ring (jadome 蛇の目) with visible spur marks (me-ato 目跡) authentically replicates antique Korean firing methods. The base bears a deeply impressed, single-walled hexagonal seal (kikkō-in 亀甲印) containing the stylized "Sei" (清) character, the definitive mark of the 3rd generation master.

• Object Number: #JCV512

• Title: Edo Period Shigaraki Jar

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 17-18th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Shigaraki Ware

• Dimensions: H: 22.5cm 8.85Inches D: 22.0cm 8.66Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A classic example of 17-18th-century Shigaraki stoneware, this jar is characterized by a rich hi-iro (fire color) surface and abundant kani-no-me (feldspar explosions). The controlled silhouette and incised shoulder bands mark the evolution from Muromachi period folk wares to the refined aesthetics of the Early Edo period. With its natural ash glaze and rugged texture, this vessel captures the wabi sensibility essential to the Japanese tea ceremony.

• Object Number: #JCV490

• Title: Edo Period Karatsu Jar

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown Period:

• Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 17 - 18th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Karatsu Ware

• Dimensions: H: 20.5cm 8.07Inches D: 21.5cm 8.46Inches Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: With the Wooden Box.

• Object Number: #JCV542

• Title: Mid Edo Period Tamba Jar with four ears.

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 18th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Tamba ware

• Dimensions: H: 32.0cm 12.59Inches D: 28.0cm. 11.02 Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note:

• Object Number: #JCB549

• Title: Mishima-Style Bowl with Kintsugi Repair (三嶋鉢)

• Place of Origin: Kyoto, Japan (Kyoyaki / 京焼)

• Artist: In the style of Nonomura Ninsei (野々村仁清)

• Period: Edo - Meiji Period (江戸 - 明治時代)

• Date: 18th - 19th Century

• Materials: Stoneware, white slip inlay (Zogan / 象嵌), ash glaze, gold lacquer (Kintsugi / 金継ぎ)

• Style or Ware: Kyoyaki (京焼), Mishima style (三島) / Korean Buncheong (분청) influence

• Dimensions: D: 16.2 cm H: 5.5 cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: Shallow stoneware bowl (hachi / 鉢) featuring white slip inlay (shiro-zogan / 白象嵌) and stamped florets (inka / 印花) beneath a crazed ash glaze (kan-nyu / 貫入). It features a prominent kintsugi (金継ぎ) fracture repair. The unglazed foot ring (kodai / 高台) bears a stamped "Ninsei" (仁清) seal alongside deliberate rustic gouges and rough firing adhesion scars (kuttsuki-ato / くっつき跡). Includes an antique wooden box (jidai-bako / 時代箱). Physical evidence categorizes this as a high-quality 18th/19th-century tribute piece. Original 17th-century works by Nonomura Ninsei exhibit flawless technical perfection (kirei-sabi / きれいさび). The presence of accidental kiln scars (kuttsuki) and engineered rustic base gouges aligns with later tea aesthetics. The Ninsei seal was widely used by subsequent Kyoto potters honoring his lineage. It stands as an authentic, historically significant antique reflecting imported Korean Buncheong techniques.

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• Object Number: #JCV526

• Title: Mizusashi Tea ceremony water jar.

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Mid-to-Late Edo Period.

• Date: c. 1750–1850

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Shitoro Ware

• Dimensions: H: 20.5cm 8.07Inches D: 17.0cm. 6.69Inches

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: A cylindrical, barrel-form (taru) water jar characteristic of the Enshu Nana-gama (Seven Kilns of Enshu) aesthetic. The body is thrown from the coarse, iron-rich clay of the Kanaya region, fired to a high stoneware temperature. An excellent example of Edo-period Shitoro ware in fine condition. The piece perfectly captures the wabi-sabi spirit: robust, unpretentious, and deeply connected to the earth. The "Kameyama" inscription adds a layer of historical provenance, suggesting it was professionally cataloged during the modernization of the Meiji era. With the antique wooden tomobako storage box.

• Object Number: #JCB455

• Title: Lobed Cake Dish with Loop Feet and "Drying Net" Motif (Rinka Mitsu-ashi Kashi-bachi 輪花三つ足菓子鉢)

• Place of Origin: Japan (日本)

• Artist: Unknown Potter

• Period Edo Period (江戸時代, 1603–1868)

• Date: 18th Century

• Materials: Stoneware with crackled feldspathic glaze and underglaze iron oxide (tetsu-e 鉄絵)

• Style or Ware: Mino ware (美濃焼), Edo-period Shino type (志野)

• Dimensions: - D: 18.0cm H: 6.0cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A lobed stoneware dish (rinka 輪花) elevated on three folded loop feet (mitsu-ashi 三つ足), functioning as a tea ceremony sweet-dish (kashi-bachi 菓子鉢) or large serving vessel (mukozuke 向付). The basin features a swiftly executed geometric "drying net" (hoshi-ami 干網) motif painted in underglaze iron. The entire body is enveloped in a thick, creamy feldspathic glaze exhibiting a deeply stained, uniform crackle network (kannyu 貫入). The foliate rim is finished with a brushed iron-oxide slip, an aesthetic framing technique known as "lipstick" (kuchibeni 口紅).

• Object Number: #JCV69

• Title: Tall Bottle (Heishi / Tokkuri) with Cascading White Ash Glaze

• Place of Origin: Hizen Province, Japan (日本, 肥前国)

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: 17th - 18th Century

• Materials: Coarse stoneware (炻器), iron-brown underglaze (鉄釉), rice-straw ash overglaze (藁灰釉).

• Style or Ware: Chosen Karatsu Ware (朝鮮唐津)

• Dimensions: -  H:31.7cm 12.5Inch D:16.5cm 6.5Inch

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A striking 17th-century Chosen Karatsu (朝鮮唐津) tall bottle featuring a dynamic contrast of opaque white rice-straw ash glaze (藁灰釉) cascading over a dark iron-brown ground (鉄釉). The thick, mottled glaze interaction at the shoulder creates distinct bluish-purple streaks, a hallmark of Hizen province stoneware.

• Description: Wheel-thrown from a coarse, sandy clay body (砂目) with a flat, unglazed base (ベタ底) displaying concentric wheel marks (轆轤目). This utilitarian yet highly aesthetic vessel stands as a masterful, authentic example of early Edo period craftsmanship.

• Object Number: #JCB296

• Title: Kakiemon-Style Octagonal Bowl with Phoenix and Floral Motifs (柿右衛門様式 色絵鳳凰花卉文八角鉢)

• Place of Origin: Arita, Hizen Province, Japan (日本、肥前国、有田)

• Artist: Unattributed, Arita Kilns

• Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: Late 17th Century (c. 1670–1690)

• Materials: Hard-paste porcelain with clear glaze and overglaze polychrome enamels (色絵磁器)

• Style or Ware: Arita Ware, Kakiemon Style (有田焼、柿右衛門様式)

• Dimensions: - D: 20.5 cm  H: 9.5 cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: This late 17th-century Kakiemon-style octagonal bowl (hakkaku-bachi 八角鉢) features a highly refined milky-white porcelain body (nigoshide 乳白手) decorated with vibrant overglaze enamels (iroe 色絵). The asymmetrical interior balances generous negative space (yohaku 余白) against plum blossoms (ume 梅), chrysanthemums (kiku 菊), and a central coiled phoenix (hōō 鳳凰) roundel. The piece is finished with a characteristic iron-oxide brown rim (fuchibeni縁紅) and two underglaze blue base rings.

• Object Number: #JCB254

• Title: Arita Polychrome Bowl with Shishi, Cub, and Peony Scroll (色絵獅子牡丹唐草文鉢)

• Place of Origin: Arita, Hizen Province, Japan (日本、肥前国、有田)

• Artist: Unknown (Arita Kilns)

• Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: 18th - 19th Century

• Materials: Hard-paste porcelain with overglaze enamels (Jiki 磁器, Iroe 色絵)

• Style or Ware: Arita Ware (Arita-yaki 有田焼), Imari/Kakiemon Style

• Dimensions: - D: 20.5 cm  H: 9.5 cm

• Department: Japanese Art

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A deeply potted porcelain bowl decorated in vibrant overglaze enamels. The interior depicts an adult Shishi(guardian lion) and an iron-red cub (ko-jishi), framed by a formal peony (botan) scroll. The exterior utilizes negative space (yohaku) in the Kakiemon tradition, accented with delicate, asymmetrical floral sprays. It features an iron-red rim (kuchibeni) and includes a traditional wooden box.

• Note: The Shishi and peony pairing symbolizes the harmony of power and beauty. The contrasting dense interior and sparsely decorated exterior is a hallmark of refined Arita polychrome wares.

• Object Number: #JCV329

• Title: Hexagonal Vase with Birds and Flowers in Overglaze Enamels (色絵花鳥文六角瓶)

• Place of Origin: Arita, Hizen Province, Japan (日本, 肥前国, 有田)

• Artist: Unknown (Arita kilns)

• Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: Late 17th Century (c. 1670–1690)

• Materials: Porcelain with overglaze enamels (磁器, 色絵)

• Style or Ware: Arita ware, Kakiemon style (有田焼, 柿右衛門様式)

• Dimensions: H: 27.5 cm, W: 10.0 cm

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A late 17th-century Arita porcelain hexagonal vase (rokkakubin) decorated in the vibrant Kakiemon style. The piece features dynamic, asymmetrical overglaze enamels (色絵 - iroe) depicting birds, plum blossoms (梅), and rockwork against a white ground. The flat, unglazed biscuit base displays the characteristic iron-rust spotting of early Edo-period Hizen clay.

• Note: This specific molded form and overglaze palette were highly prized during the Dutch East India Company (VOC) trade era. Comparable late 17th-century Kakiemon hexagonal vases are housed in major historical repositories, such as the British Museum (Franks Collection) and the Burghley House Collection.

• Object Number: #JCP257

• Title: Kakiemon Plate

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Period: Edo Period (1603 - 1868)

• Date: 18h Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Arita ware Kakiemon style.

• Dimensions: D: 21.0cm. H: 4.5cm.

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics.

• Note: With the antique Signed wooden tomobako storage box.

• Object Number: #JCP498

• Title: Rare Mino ware Shino type Platter.

• Place of Origin: Japan

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Edo Period (1603-1868)

• Date: 19th Century

• Materials: Ceramics

• Style or Ware: Mino ware Shino type.

• Dimensions: D: 41.5cm. 16.33Inches H: 6.5cm

• Department: Japanese

• Art Collection: Japanese Ceramics. Note:

• Object Number: #JCB484

• Title: Kakiemon-Style Polychrome Porcelain Bowl with Molded Relief and Chrysanthemum-Plum Motif (色絵菊梅図輪花鉢)

• Place of Origin: Arita, Hizen Province, Japan (日本、肥前国、有田)

• Artist: Unknown (Kakiemon Kiln / 柿右衛門窯)

• Period: Edo Period (江戸時代)

• Date: 18th Century

• Materials: Hard-paste porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamels (色絵磁器) and underglaze molded relief (陽刻)

• Style or Ware: Arita Ware (有田焼), Kakiemon Style (柿右衛門様式)

• Dimensions: D: 14.0cm H: 9.5cm

• Department: Japanese Art

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: An Edo-period Kakiemon-style bowl with a foliate rim and milky-white body (nigoshide 乳濁手). The interior features subtle underglaze molded relief (yōkoku 陽刻) beneath an asymmetrical polychrome enamel (iroe 色絵) design of a blue banded hedge (shibagaki 柴垣), plum (ume 梅), and chrysanthemum (kiku 菊) blossoms. The exterior is sparse, emphasizing classical negative space (yohaku 余白).

• Note: Includes a wooden box (tomobako 共箱) with an attribution slip reading "柿右ヱ門 菊梅図" (Kakiemon Chrysanthemum and Plum design). The unglazed foot ring exhibits period-appropriate iron oxidation (koge 焦げ).

• Object Number: ##JCB553

• Title: Lobed Bowl with Iron Underglaze Decoration

• Place of Origin: Japan (日本)

• Artist: Unknown / Unattributed (無銘)

• Period: Late Edo  (江戸時代後期)

• Date: 18th – 19th Century

• Materials: Stoneware with cream glaze, iron oxide decoration, and organic patina (陶器, 鉄絵, 貫入)

• Style or Ware: Mino/Seto ware (美濃焼 / 瀬戸焼) or Kyōyaki Awata ware (粟田焼)

• Dimensions: D: 14.5cm. H: 5.5cm.

• Department: Japanese Ceramics

• Collection: Japanese Collection

• Description: A robust, multi-lobed stoneware bowl (mukōzuke 向付) featuring pronounced throwing lines (rokuro-me 轆轤目) and abstract iron oxide brushwork (tetsue 鉄絵). It is covered in a thick feldspathic glaze with a deeply stained crackle network (kannyū 貫入) acquired through historical use. The cleanly cut footring reveals a fine, buff-colored clay body (taido 胎土), while the glazed interior base shows three distinct spur marks (me-ato 目跡) indicative of stacked firing in a traditional climbing kiln (noborigama 登り窯).

• Object Number: #JCB470

• Title: Edo Period Shino ware Bowl with Kintsugi

• Place of Origin: Japan  

• Artist: Unknown

• Period: Late Momoyama to Early Edo Period

• Date: c. 1610–1640

• Materials: Ceramics   

• Style or Ware: Mino ware Shino type.  

• Dimensions: D: 14.2cm. 5.59Inches. H: 7.6cm 2.99Inches

• Department: Japanese Art  

• Collection: Japanese Ceramics.  

• Note: A robust, wheel-thrown Shino-yaki tea bowl dating to the Keichō–Genna transition. The form features a constricted waist and flared hata-sori rim, coated in a thick feldspathic white glaze. The surface exhibits classic yuzuhada ("citron skin") texture, dense su-ana (pinholes), and distinct greyish carbon trapping, accented by rapid horizontal incisions. The unglazed foot reveals coarse, high-silica Mogusa clay with warm hi-iroyo (fire color) and spatula tooling. The base bears three deeply incised vertical kama-jirushi (kiln marks). The rim is finished with a prominent kintsugi gold repair.

• Object Number: #JCB

• Period: Late Edo Period (c. 19th Century) 

• Origin: Imbe, Bizen Province, Japan 

• Material: High-fired unglazed stoneware (Yakishime)

• Wheel-thrown stoneware body with a constricted neck and rolled mouth rim. The vessel features a high-relief molded application of Hotei (one of the Shichifukujin), holding a fan (gumbai). The clay body displays a controlled oxidation firing, resulting in a matte, iron-rich patina typical of 19th-century Imbe production.

• Inscriptions / Marks Base bears an impressed circular intaglio seal, indicative of a specific Edo-period workshop or merchant commission (Yagou).

• Curatorial Note A representative example of late Edo Bizen ware, distinguishing itself from the earlier Momoyama aesthetic through precise molding and controlled firing effects. The piece bridges utilitarian function (Mingei) with auspicious domestic iconography.

• Object Number: #JCP

• Title: Shigaraki-Style Fire Container (Hi-ire) with Documentary Inscription 

• Origin: Kyoto, Japan (Kyo-yaki School)

• Date: Late Edo Period, Kaei 1 (1848) 

• Artist: Attributed to Ninnami Dohachi (1783–1855) or his immediate lineage.

• Material: Imported Shigaraki Clay (Shigaraki-tsuchi) 

• Dimensions: D:12cm H:10cm

• Inscription Analysis:Base Right: Kaei Gannen (First Year of Kaei / 1848) Base Center: Tsuchinoe-Saru (Year of the Earth Monkey) Base Left: Shigaraki Tsuchi (Shigaraki Clay) - 

• Note: This rare inscription confirms the piece was made outside Shigaraki (in Kyoto) using imported clay to achieve a specific aesthetic.  A sophisticated "literati" (Bunjin) implement designed to mimic the rustic qualities of ancient Shigaraki ware (Ko-Shigaraki). Used as a Hi-ire in a formal tobacco tray (Tabako-bon), evident from the carbonized soot layers on the interior floor. The incised calligraphy displays the rapid, angular confidence of the Dohachi style.

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