Height 11.1 cm, Bowl diameter 18.0 x 21.8 cm, Tripod
Among Bizen bowls, this handmade bowl is probably the most highly valued among sukiya (tea ceremony tableware) masters. Although there are no pots with a powerful appearance, their stylish appearance makes them desirable as kaiseki tableware. Also, the peony-shaped surface, which is unique to Bizen, is interesting from a decorative point of view. There are no old hand bowls that seem to date back to before the Tensho period, and most of them, like Oribe’s hand bowls, probably date from the Keicho period through the Genna and Kan’ei periods. The missing peony mochi shown in the prospect is a small piece of work. The omission of the peony shape, which appears in the prospect, was probably caused by the addition of a small piece of porcelain on top of it, probably for decorative effect after the firing.
The low, half-moon shaped bowl with raised sides is surmounted by an arched hand. The two sides of the bowl are slightly distorted by spatula carving, but the crisp, clean lines are pleasing to the eye. The three omissions that appear in the prospect are vivid, and the sesame glaze that has been applied is bright and has a moist glazed surface. The flat bottom has small feet on three sides, and the kiln mark is carved in the center of the bottom with a thin spatula.
