Beschreibung:

DescriptionProperty from an Important Private Collection A Bizen ware deep dishMomoyama period, late 16th century
the shallow, circular bowl with narrow rim, brushed with coloured glazes over a reddish clay body, hidasuki [fire markings], cross mark to the base, fitted wood storage box
49 cm. 19¼ in. diam. (the dish)14.5 x 53 x 53 cm., 5¾ x 20⅞ x 20⅞ in. (the fitted wood storage box)Condition reportGood condition.
Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation. The condition report is a statement of opinion only. For that reason, the condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE.ProvenanceLondon Gallery, ToykoCatalogue noteThe kilns of Bizen were noted for producing original colour palettes and the tonality of their fired clay bodies, which were imparted by manipulating the atmosphere within the kiln and accidental ash deposits fusing on the stoneware surfaces during firing.
Bizen ware is one of Japan’s most distinctive unglazed ceramics, embodying the Momoyama taste for a bold yet subtle style. Forms with a strong, reddish-brown body as well as fire-marks (hidasuki) are characteristic of the wares. Medieval Bizen kilns produced quotidian wares for everyday use, but began to produce speciality wares of a higher quality for the tea ceremony.
Dr. Nicole C. Rousmaniere explains how ‘Bizen kiln firing in the Momoyama period was an impressive event. The single-chamber kilns, following a natural incline, were up to fifty metres long, about four metres wide and two metres high, and were able to fire thousands of pieces at one time. Edo period documents record that the Bizen firing process took from thirty to forty days for large kilns and used over a hundred metric tons of pine. Because of the stacking technique, the intense heat (from 1200 – 60°C) and the length of firing, many pieces took on a distinctive appearance that could not be duplicated.’1
1. Money L. Hickman ed., Japan’s Golden Age: Momoyama, (Dallas, 1996), pg. 206