Momoyama / early Edo Period Grey Shino-Oribe Chawan

This gorgeous grey Shino-Oribe Chawan was made around 1620, the late Momoyama and early Edo Period.

The cylinder shaped (hanzutsu) chawan is made of light, fine, unrefined Mino clay. Shape and style (flaring mouth) make it contemporary with the late Oribe bowls. The expertly thrown body is covered with the typical black oniita engobe inside and outside - with the exception of the bottom - over which a white, feldspatic Shino glaze has been poured. Just the foot ring and its immediate surrounding was left unglazed.

A geometric decoration of a series of squares with dots in the center was scratched into the iron oxide engobe. The somewhat irregular foot is typical for the late production of the 1620-ies at the Motoyashiki and Kamagane kilns. The bowl has a beautiful shape, a heavy weight and is very well balanced.

Size: 8,6 cm height, 11,2-12 cm diameter.