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Japanese Ko-Seto Stoneware Ewer with Carved Chrysanthemum Design

Offered by: Tishu

Description
On offer is a rare Ko-seto (old seto) stoneware ewer from Kamakura period (12-14th century) Japan. The exceptionally heavily potted ewer is made of stoneware. The main body was likely hand-coiled with individually built handle, sprout and wheel-made neck and mouth assembled. It takes the basic form from the contemporary Chinese ewer of Song Dynasty. The body was decorated with large carved chrysanthemums with petals surrounding the bottom of the neck and the base. It was washed in a yellow glaze (ko-seto was one the place first used glaze), the color was known as "dead leaf brown". The glaze now showcases an even effect of small crackles. The base was quite scorched and uneven from the residues during kiln firing. There is an old thin vein of kintsugi repair around the sprout, the end of which has a historical chip is uneven to the touch.
While the Ko-seto stoneware jar (heishi) are more commonly preserved from the period, the handled ewer that derived from the Chinese form is rather obscure. An intact Sue stoneware ewer of a similar form from Heian Period (10-11th century) was excavated at Maebashi in Gumma Prefecture in 1961 (see last picture).
For a Ko-seto jar with carved design and similar glaze, see item 1991.6 in the collection of Asian Art Musuem in San Francisco. Item AFI.14.2016 in the collection of Birmingham Musuem of Art

More Information

Origin:	Japan
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	Stoneware
Condition:	Fair. Overall fine condition. A historical Kintsugi repair around the sprout. Old chip at the end of the sprout as shown.
Creation Date:	13-14th century
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional, Ancient Art
Patterns:	Asian/Oriental, Geometric, Handmade
Incollect Reference #:	600524

Dimensions

H.	11 in;	Diam.	6.5 in;
H.	27.94 cm;	Diam.	16.51 cm;

Message from Seller:

Our collection ranges from Neolithic Art to 20th century collectible art and design. It spans 5000 thousand years of history and crosses many civilizations and cultures. Our aesthetic strongholds are Mid-century studio design, Japanese and Korean art, Asian Textile Art and Contemporary Aboriginal Art. The diversity is united behind our singular vision to seek for timeless beauty and driven purely by our passion