Treasures of Old Times

Mid Edo period (18c) tea bowl crafted by master Bunkyo Masaki.


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Directory: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Tea Articles: Pre 1800: Item # 1487164
Treasures of Old Times
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39 Charansanitwong rd, Bangkok
Bangkok noi, 10700, Thailand


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This extraordinary tea bowl, bearing the poetic name "Sunrise and Longevity," stands as a testament to the masterful artistry of the esteemed tea master, Bunkyo Masaki. A visual symphony unfolds within the bowl, where a pristine white glaze delicately descends over a vibrant reddish canvas, echoing the soft hues of the morning sun. Within this enchanting surface, the discerning eye can trace the graceful figure of Jurojin, the deity symbolizing longevity.

Indeed, this tea bowl emerges as a resplendent masterpiece, encapsulating the very essence of a sunrise. Bunkyo Masaki's meticulous craftsmanship and artistic vision radiate, transforming this piece into a profound testament to the intrinsic beauty and artistry of his pottery.

Residing in Miyamachi, near Nagoya Castle during the An'ei-Tenmei era (1772-1789), Bunkyo Masaki transcended his role as a doctor to become a dedicated practitioner of the tea ceremony. His renown extended beyond medical expertise, embracing exceptional pottery craftsmanship in the creation of tea utensils such as chawan (tea bowls), mizusashi (water jars), koro (incense burners), and lid holders. Notably, Bunkyo Masaki's approach favored the artisanal technique of handcrafting (te-giri) over reliance on a wheel.

Bunkyo Masaki's creative palette extended to various glazes, including Kiseto, Oribe, as well as traditional Seto iron and ash glazes. His aspiration to emulate Momoyama pieces, combined with experimentation in glazing techniques, attests to the depth of his artistic exploration.

Of particular intrigue is the indirect revelation within Bunkyo Masaki's work, shedding light on the rich tapestry of pottery techniques in Seto during his era. Remarkably, his pottery endeavors predate the birth of Kato Shuntai by 20-30 years, the renowned artisan celebrated for his impeccable replicas of Momoyama pottery. This chronological distinction suggests that the techniques for Momoyama imitations had already taken root in Seto during the latter half of the 1700s. Bunkyo Masaki's contributions to the art form, coupled with his dedication to replicating historical styles, significantly enrich the cultural legacy of Seto pottery.

The dimensions of this captivating piece are characterized by a height of 7cm and a width of 12cm. Notably, the bowl exhibits a minor old repair at the mouth, skillfully treated with red lacquer, adding a nuanced layer to its storied history.