ca. 1590-1605

Momoyama period

Stoneware with natural ash glaze; black lacquered wooden lid
W: 16.5 cm
Imbe, Japan

Gift of Peggy and Richard M. Danziger F1998.17a-h

The imprint of a large square seal on this basin was purposely placed in the center for visibility during chanoyu gatherings, rather than modestly hidden on the base. Similar-perhaps identical-square seal impressions appear on several tea ceramics made at the Shigaraki kilns and excavated from the site of a merchant's shophouse in Kyoto. Both Bizen and Shigaraki were important sources of tea ceramics for the Kyoto market. The square seal prominently imprinted on these wares may mark a special order placed with potters in both locations by a tea customer, if not by the merchant himself.