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Signed Bizen Pottery Model of a Turnip, Meiji browse these categories for related items... Directory: Archives: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Pre 1900: item # 430249 Please refer to our stock # 2B-761 when inquiring.
B & C Antiques P. O. Box 291 Derby, CT 06418 203-929-7312 Guest Book SOLD |
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| This large and boldly modeled Japanese Bizen ware okimono depicts an incredibly realistic turnip with a profusion of leaves. Meiji period, late 19th century. The signature of the artist –- whom we have been unable to identify -- is stamped on the back just above the base and beneath the wonderful curl in the lower leaf. Although the piece is unglazed, the top side of the turnip and sections of the leaves are randomly covered with beautiful golden flecks of wood ash glaze from the kiln. The details on this turnip are simply extraordinary, rendering a still life model that looks remarkably like the real thing. The skill of the potter is clearly shown on the leaves, which are realistically veined on both sides and masterfully formed. For centuries, Bizen has been highly regarded for its dark red-brown stoneware made from iron-rich clay with a natural ash glaze. Bizen is unglazed but fired at such a high a temperature that a natural glaze is formed on the surface. Also upon firing, wood ash flies up in the kiln and is deposited randomly on the pottery, giving each piece its own individuality and vitality. “Okimono” is the generic name for Japanese decorative objects which have no utilitarian function but are merely created to please the eye. Bizen okimono typically represent animals, birds or human figures, and it is most unusual to see an inanimate form such as this vegetable modeled in Bizen clay. (See “Bizen Okimono” by Robert L. Yellin in DARUMA 31.) The turnip (“kabu” or “kabura”), harvested in autumn and winter, is a poetic symbol of late winter. In some localities, the turnip is a traditional offering on small tables set up at the New Year. Condition is perfect. Dimensions: 8 ˝” long x 8 ˝” high x 6” deep. | ||||||||||
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