Description
This antique Seto ware piece features the classic sometsuke (cobalt blue underglaze) style, showcasing a vibrant arabesque (karakusa) scroll pattern against a clean white porcelain body. The painting is fluid and rhythmic, wrapping around the exterior, while the sturdy feet add a touch of elegance to the rectangular form. The porcelain shows a gentle age-appropriate patina, softening the contrast between the indigo and white, typical of well-preserved antique wares.
The clean white and blue palette makes this pot an exceptional choice for flowering or fruit-bearing trees, such as Satsuki Azaleas, Flowering Quince (Chojubai), or Crabapple, where the blooms will harmonize with the painted motifs. It also pairs beautifully with deciduous species displaying vibrant autumn color, like Japanese Maples, providing a striking visual contrast that highlights the tree’s foliage.
Please note that this suiban, like many other antiques, does not (yet) have drainage holes.
- Outer dimensions: 31 x 23 x 9,5 cm
- Inner dimensions: 25,5 x 17,5 x 6 cm
- Origin: Seto, Japan
- Potter/Kiln: Antique Seto ware
- Condition: Small crack (visible in detail photos) that is stable. Otherwise good considering it is antique.
About Seto ware:
Seto ware, originating from Seto City in Aichi Prefecture, represents one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns with a ceramic history spanning over a millennium. The region is so iconic that the Japanese term for pottery, setomono, is derived from its name. This piece reflects the high-quality porcelain and skilled cobalt underglaze painting techniques that defined Seto production during the late Edo and Meiji periods, showcasing the enduring legacy of the region’s craftsmanship.
