Eisho 9 (1512)
Height 61.3cm, Bore 37.8-38.3cm, Body 35.7cm, Bottom 21.6cm
Sei Enji
It is not known when this large, wide-mouthed vase was first produced in Bizen, but it must have been after the mid-Muromachi period (1336-1573). It is clearly a replica of a bronze vase, and was fired for use as a floral offering before the Buddha.
It is inscribed on the upper half of the body with the inscription “Yokoozan Eisho 9 June, Ibe Mori Saburoemon. It is a magnificent piece that was carefully crafted with clay and shaping by cutting and molding. It is very well fired, with a greenish-brown natural glaze covering the inner surface of the mouth rim, part of the neck, and the shoulder, giving it an appearance similar to metalware. It is valuable as the oldest Bizen vase with a clear date.
