黒織部沓形茶碗|Clog-shaped tea bowl (kutsu-gata chawan) with plum blossoms and geometric patterns

Unknown

early 17th century · Stoneware with iron-oxide decoration (Mino ware, Black Oribe type) · Asian Art

This tea bowl’s intentionally deformed shape recalls an ancient Japanese clog (kutsu). After shaping the bowl on the wheel, the potter created an irregular, asymmetrical form that would fit perfectly into the tea practitioner’s palms. The bold, stylized, and abstract patterns of plum blossoms, lines, and grids were applied with quick strokes. Drippings of the white slip and the iron-black enhance the tactility of the bowl’s surface.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 17th century

Medium

Stoneware with iron-oxide decoration (Mino ware, Black Oribe type)

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Dr. and Mrs. Roger G. Gerry Collection, Bequest of Dr. and Mrs. Roger G. Gerry, 2000