Korean “hakeme” slip-glazed punch'ong dish

This saucer dish, raised on a fairly narrow foot displays the “shibui” and “wabicha” aesthetics sought after by Japanese tea practitioners as well as “Mingei” collectors. The brown stoneware body was hastily brushed on the interior and underneath the dish in a rapid manner with no consideration of perfection. The white slip was applied while the piece was still wet from the potter's wheel. After drying, it was dipped in clear glaze, and on this piece, leaving a V-shaped glaze void exposing an area of dry white slip and brown body – a desirable lack of attention to detail in Japanese tea aesthetics. Where the clear glaze covers the brown body, it appears gray. The foot and base are glazed and partially rubbed off the footring, or possibly worn off through use. The dish leans somewhat when standing on its footring. A small area underneath the rim is unglazed. There is an old hairline crack about one inch long, some kiln grit on the base, good wear and well-worn patina. I purchased this piece in Kyoto in the early 1970s and it was used by my tea ceremony teacher from time to time.

Diameter: 5 ¼ in., Height: 1 3/8 in.