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Clog-shaped tea bowl (kutsu-gata chawan) with plum blossoms and geometric patterns

early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 202
This tea bowl’s intentionally deformed shape recalls an ancient Japanese clog (kutsu). After shaping the bowl on the wheel, the potter created an irregular, asymmetrical form that would fit perfectly into the tea practitioner’s palms. The bold, stylized, and abstract patterns of plum blossoms, lines, and grids were applied with quick strokes. Drippings of the white slip and the iron-black enhance the tactility of the bowl’s surface.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 黒織部沓形茶碗
  • Title: Clog-shaped tea bowl (kutsu-gata chawan) with plum blossoms and geometric patterns
  • Period: Momoyama period (1573–1615)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: Japan
  • Medium: Stoneware with iron-oxide decoration (Mino ware, Black Oribe type)
  • Dimensions: H. 3 in. (7.6 cm); W. 5 5/8 in. (14.3 cm); Diam. of foot 12 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Dr. and Mrs. Roger G. Gerry Collection, Bequest of Dr. and Mrs. Roger G. Gerry, 2000
  • Object Number: 2002.447.28
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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