A broad Japanese tea bowl with a dark speckled surface, sweeping cream glaze, and an impressed seal beside the foot.

Description

CHW-491 is a generously open tea bowl whose cream glaze forms an irregular pool in the interior and smaller openings in the dark, finely speckled exterior. Its contrast recalls the visual play of Black Oribe ceramics, so Oribe inspired describes the design without assigning the bowl to a particular kiln.

A small impressed circular seal appears beside the trimmed foot. The maker has not been identified. The bowl comes without a reported wooden box.

Dimensions and Condition

Rim diameter 15.1 cm   |   Foot diameter 5.5 cm   |   Height 7.4 cm   |   Weight 436 g

No chips, cracks, or repairs observed during direct inspection. Natural variations in glaze and firing are visible in the photographs.

I. Identification

Item CHW-491. Japanese chawan with dark speckled and cream glaze. The broad, open bowl displays irregular cream reserves across the interior and exterior. The design is Oribe inspired; a Mino origin is not established.

II. Artist and Lineage

Maker and kiln unidentified. No documented match for the impressed seal has been established.

III. Physical Characteristics

Rim diameter 15.1 cm  |  Foot diameter 5.5 cm  |  Height 7.4 cm  |  Weight 436 g. A trimmed, recessed foot exposes pale clay; the rim opens widely above the rounded lower body.

IV. Inscriptions

Small circular impressed seal beside the foot. Its reading remains unconfirmed. Seal photographs from several lighting angles are retained with the object record.

V. Tomobako or Kiribako

No tomobako or kiribako reported.

VI. Provenance and Documentation

Tea Dogu photographic record and measured image sheet. Earlier ownership and acquisition details are not documented in the materials reviewed. No chips, cracks, or repairs observed during direct inspection. Natural variations in glaze and firing are visible in the photographs.

VII. Market and Availability

The attribution is limited to a stylistic description; no named maker or historical period is claimed.

VIII. Aesthetic and Narrative

The cream interior well gives the eye a calm center while the dark speckled glaze moves across the walls and rim. The changing glaze boundary creates a different view as the bowl is turned