Excavated from Nishiyama Kobo Kiln, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
15th century
Height 23.3 cm, mouth diameter 4.4 cm, body diameter 16.2 cm, bottom diameter 11.3 cm
Honda Collection
The Anakobo Kiln was one of a group of potters who entered Mino during the Seto Kiln’s proliferation in the 15th century, and is representative of the revival of ash-glazed pottery kilns in Mino. This vase is missing a part of the foot, which has been repaired, but the entire form is well preserved.
The slightly inward-tilted mouth, the angular shoulders, and the tension of the base show the characteristics of the mid-15th century, and one could be forgiven for thinking this vase was made in the style of lacquerware. The iron glaze shows shades of brown and blackish brown with vertical stripes, giving the monotonous surface of the vessel a scenic appearance.
