Plant pattern bowl, Nezumi shino type, Shino ware

Nezumi Shino, a type of Shino, is a technique in which a decorative clay (oniita) containing iron is applied as a base, the pattern area is scraped away with a spatula to leave a white mark, and then a thick white glaze (Shino glaze) is applied on top and fired.

The base turns gray, while the pattern remains white, resulting in a finished product that is the opposite of regular Shino ware in color.

This piece is a square-shaped Nezumi Shino mukozuke.

In the center is a large arrangement of flowers swaying in the wind, surrounded by a pattern resembling a brushwood fence, and a simple houndstooth pattern around the edges.

In addition to being extremely rare compared to regular Shino ware, there are very few pieces with good color development, probably due to the difficulty of firing them correctly.

This piece has a clear contrast between the base and the pattern, and the brown discoloration of the iron in the glaze is visible in places, making the change in color a highlight. The glaze also has a glossy finish, indicating that it was fired very well.

When turned over, you can see three string-like semi-ringed legs and eye marks around the edges.

There is a large Y- shaped hairline in the center. A similar one runs through the back, but it is likely from the firing process and can be considered a type of kiln mark.

[Responsible for: Mao Otsuka]