Tea Bowl, Named Furisode (Swinging Sleeves), Mino ware, Shino style, Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 13
September 3, 2024 (Tue) - December 1, 2024 (Sun)
Early Japanese ceramics were heavily influenced by techniques and processes originating in China and Korea. Over time, a more diverse range of forms and styles came to be embraced in Japan. This increased diversity was driven by economic and political factors, including foreign trade and the changing preferences of disparate social classes.
Throughout Japanese history, people of different social classes—emperors, nobles, samurai, and townspeople like merchants—held political or economic power at different times. Potters responded by creating regionally distinct ceramics that met the needs and tastes of each set of clientele.
This gallery traces the history of Japanese ceramics from around the 12th century onwards, beginning with storage jars for daily use, which highlight the unique colors and textures of local clays. It continues with tea bowls and other utensils for the tea ceremony, a practice that greatly influenced ceramic production. The ceramic traditions of Kyoto are then presented, followed by porcelain made in Arita, and other works from regional kilns.
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | Tea Bowl, Named “Furisode (Swinging Sleeves)” | Mino ware, Shino style | Azuchi-Momoyama–Edo period, 16th–17th century | G-5749 | |||
Large Bowl with Flowering Plants | Karatsu ware | Edo period, 17th century | G-5778 | ||||
Highlight | Tea Bowl with Motifs from the “Autumn Excursion” Chapter of "The Tale of Genji" | Studio of Ninsei | Edo period, 17th century | Gift of Ms. Yamamoto Tomiko and Mr. Yamamoto Kenji, G-5750 | |||
Tea Bowl | By Ichinyū (1640–96); Black Raku style | Edo period, 17th century | G-76 | ||||
Large Dish with Flowers | Imari ware | Edo period, 18th century | Gift of Dr. Yokogawa Tamisuke, G-1059 |