Height 19.2 cm, mouth diameter 18.0 cm, bottom diameter 17.0 cm
　This is a typical example of Shigaraki arrowhead vase, probably made in the late Momoyama period (1573-1600). It is a typical example of Shigaraki arrowhead vase. The front surface is slightly reddish with a thin layer of ash, which has been burnished to black. It is interesting to note that an exactly similar piece was excavated from the residence of Shinbei Arirai (located east of Sanjo Yanagibaba, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City). Shinbei was a merchant of Kyoto active during the Keicho era (1596-1598). He is said to have been a karamono dealer in Nijo, who was a madam who was friends with Tokugawa Ieyasu and also with Furuta Oribe. His residence was known for Shino and Setoguro. Shinbei himself tried his hand at making ceramics, and it is assumed that he ordered the pieces of his liking from the kiln. However, we will have to wait for further discussion on Shinbei’s creations. The upper part of the body and the hem of the body are stepped, and the square is in the shape of an arrowhead. The shape of Shigaraki vessels is more straightforward than that of Bizen vessels. The “shi” mark on the prospect is spatula-engraved, but it was hand-engraved by Shinbei. The lid is also reddish brown.
