Japanese Ceramic Seto Tea Leaf Tsubo Jar Edo Period

A Japanese glazed ceramic jar with a lacquered wood lid circa 19th century of late Edo to early Meiji Period. The stoneware tsubo was used as a storage vessel for produce such as tea leaves. It was made in Seto, one of the six ancient kilns in Japan, or in the style of seto-ware.
Of classic form that was widely popular in China and Japan, the jar is well proportioned with a voluminous body with broad shoulder, a short straight neck and a large opening. The surface was covered entirely in a glossy dark-brown iron glaze with a subtle tint of green. Some kiln debris and glaze bursts were seen scattered on the shoulder, adding a wabi-sabi charm to an otherwise austere piece. Nine motifs of small jars, grouped in three in each composition, graced the surface. They were incised and filled with white slip glaze that was fired to fine crackles. The design was either a simple carved outline with empty spaces, or the entire silouette was infilled with the white glaze. Together, they form a contrasting ying and yang pattern. The symbols of empty and full jars carry a profound philosophical message that beckons the viewer to ponder about life. A black lacquered wood lid with a top-loop handle accompanies the jar, although it is hard to tell if it is original.