Height 20.3 cm, mouth diameter 7.5 cm, body diameter 19.0 cm, bottom diameter 13.5 cm
This is a masterpiece of Muromachi period Shigaraki small vases, commonly known as tane jars. Although it was not originally created as a tea ceremony pot, its apologetic style was favored in the tea ceremony world, and it was called “œzumaru” (crouching) because of its stooped figure, and was highly prized. The date of production is not known, but it is thought to have been made in the mid-Muromachi period. The molding is a little thicker than other wagashi, but the stepped mouth construction, stroked shoulders, sloping body, and deep line carving of the so-called “nawame” pattern are typical of the Muromachi style. The body is narrow and has a deep carved rope pattern. From the lower part of the body to the shoulder, one side has a dark green glazed surface covered with ash, while a part of the glazed surface, which is slightly reddish, is burnt black, creating a rare and varied scene. The two sides of the shoulder are marked by spatula engraving, and the bottom is flat.
