mid 19th century

Kinkozan Sobei workshop, (Japanese,
Edo period

Stoneware with iron glaze
H: 5.9 W: 11.8 cm
Kyoto, Japan

Gift of Charles Lang Freer F1896.54

This simple bowl, attributed to one of the major workships in the Awataguchi district of eastern Kyoto, examplifies the high standard of workmanshi of which Kyoto potters were justly proud. The shape and glaze are based on the classic Chinese Chien ware, or Temmoku, tea bowl. Many large Kyoto temples owned hundreds of such bowls for use in entertaining large groups of guests.