Early Imari heron pattern flat tea bowl

This is a heron design that is very popular in early Imari ware.

A heron is painted on the surface of the piece, coated with gosu, using the ink-repelling technique. Its plump, lush feathers give it a charming expression.

It is shaped like a flower and has lotus petal patterns. The eight trigrams, which symbolize all things in the universe, are depicted with spiral patterns filling the blank spaces.

Many of the highly popular early Imari pieces depicting herons seem to be in the shape of plates, but this piece has a slightly deeper shape, which is probably why it could be seen as a summer tea bowl.

The paulownia wood box, likely from a previous owner, is inscribed with the words "Summer Tea Bowl."

If you look at the back, you will see a long brown line running across it, but this is a crazing (kiln mark) and will not leak.

The diameter is just right to fit in both hands. It is quite a luxury to be able to enjoy using a masterpiece of early Imari as a tea bowl.

[Responsible for: Mao Otsuka]

✳︎This work will be available until 12:00 on December 20th.