Mingei Arts

This is a sophisticated katsu, (clog-shaped), Black Kuro-Oribe winter tea bowl, is decorated with a glossy and tasteful black glaze, and iron-glazed abstract textile motif in a simple composition, inscribed, with impressed seals by the maker, Makuzu Kozan, (1842-1916). This Chawan is characterized by unconstrained application of its shape, and stylized decoration. A general feature [...]

Pictured is a set of porcelain chopstick rests, (hashioki), used to keep chopstick tips off the table and to prevent used chopsticks from contaminating or rolling off tables. This particular set is in beautiful, excellent condition with a silver and red glazing emphasizing the gingko design. Additional Information— Chopstick rests come in various shapes and [...]

This is a tea ceremony set in a portable carrying box with an interior drawer to hold tea implements. The piece is finished off with the use of a bronze handle and pull. The box (shuno-bako) is made of Kiri wood, (pine), which is native to the Japanese Islands. It is extremely rare to find [...]

The images represent two indented rectangular Oribe bowls referred to as Mukozuke. The characteristics of these pieces are the deliberately free-formed distortion of imbalance; a line drawing motif/decoration combined with a textile-like motif to create a textured aesthetic. The iron glaze color on this piece is a deep copper-green with earth-tone patterns. The exterior of [...]

Oribe potters are followers of Yo to bi, (Beauty and Use), placing emphasis on a containe’rs beauty first, and its use second. This mid-Showa period (1926-1989) vase captures the essence of the Momoyama Period and Mingei traditions, with a modern and boundary-pushing twist. This monochrome asymmetrical Hanaire is made from four slabs of clay, mostly [...]

This is a storage jar, most likely for tea. The brown stoneware body is wrinkled and irregular, and the neck is formed and shaped by hand, as well as the beautifully proportioned ears. The body has a transparent glaze, allowing one to experience the texture throughout the jar. The varied mustard green coloration and surfacing [...]

Jiki-shippo literally, “porcelain-enamel,” is enamel work that is decorated on a porcelain body or foundation that has been fired at a high temperature. Also commonly referred to as totai shippo, which is a more general term used to include ceramic, earthenware or porcelain bases. “Tree-bark” cloisonne’ is a sub-category of Totai Cloisonne’, and is relatively fragile due to the delicate surfacing technique [...]

Jiki-shippo literally, “porcelain-enamel,” is enamel work that is decorated on a porcelain body or foundation that has been fired at a high temperature. Also commonly referred to as totai shippo, a more general term used to include ceramic, earthenware or porcelain bases. “Tree-bark” cloisonne’ is relatively fragile due to the delicate surfacing technique which will sometimes chip or crack [...]