Vase in ‘Mei-ping’ style, stamped whirl patterns, iron glaze.

Collection NumberA000889
TitleVase in ‘Mei-ping’ style, stamped whirl patterns, iron glaze.
DateKamakura period, 14th century
Artist, Kiln, Workshop瀬戸窯 Seto ware
Name of prefectures & citiesAichi prefecture, Japan
Description of works【Tetsuyu and inka — the most widely-used glaze and decoration technique — in one vase】
Among the glazes and decorations applied to ceramics made by the Seto Kilns in medieval times (koseto, or old Seto ware), tetsuyu (iron glaze) was one of the two most widely-used glazes, along with kaiyu (ash glaze). While ash is an ingredient of kaiyu, tetsuyu contains iron, and this glaze was first imported from China at the end of the 13th century CE, following the introduction of kaiyu earlier. Tetsuyu turns brown or black when fired, as seen in this piece, which is in a heishi shape modeled after Chinese porcelain used as a sake vessel.
Mitsudomoe (swirling pattern of three comma-like shapes) are stamped on the surface using a wood block engraved with the pattern — a technique called inka (pottery stamping). This is one of the two most widely-used decoration techniques, along with kakka (engraving patterns using spatulas).

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