Large jar with wide mouth

Collection NumberA001740
TitleLarge jar with wide mouth
DateMuromachi period, 14th century
Artist, Kiln, Workshop備前窯　Bizen ware
Name of prefectures & citiesOkayama prefecture, Japan
Description of works【The Bizen Kilns — the only group among the six ancient kilns that has technical roots in sue ware】
Of the rokkoyo (Japan’s six ancient kilns) still active in Japan, with a history dating back to the Kamakura period, the Bizen Kilns are the only group that has a technical lineage different from the other five that had their roots in the Sanage and the Tokoname Kilns in Aichi Prefecture. In the 12th century CE, the kilns in Bizen inherited the production techniques of sue ware from Setouchi and launched a production site in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. Initially, they produced gray ceramics similar to sue ware, but switched to brown ceramics in the second half of the 13th century.
　Capitalizing on their location with easy access to the sea, they were successful in distributing these large jars across the country. The jars, including this piece, are characterized by brown, dense surfaces, and a beautifully-finished, thickened rim called tamabuchi, which is employed to reinforce the mouth and protect it from breakage.

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