Enduring Inspiration: 

Japanese Ceramics from Jomon to Meiji
February 10 – 28, 2004
Enduring Inspiration: Japanese Ceramics from Jōmon to Meiji


Dai Ichi Gallery is pleased to present to collectors and connoisseurs an exhibition and sale of rare and fine antique Japanese ceramics from the Jōmon period (10,500 – 400 BCE) to the Meiji period (1868-1912). Especially notable are a rare Jōmon vessel, an unusually fine Sueki ritual vessel, superb Momoyama Bizen tokkuri and an exceptional Iga storage jar from Momoyama period. The exhibition also includes several fine Tamba examples, a lovely Edo period Seto oil plate in Oribe style with plum-blossoms design, a Muramachi Seto Hirachawan and a Meiji Shigaraki tea caddy with ivory lid, among others.

Jōmon pottery is among the world’s oldest, perhaps indeed the oldest, form of ceramics. The coil-built, pit-fired wares are thought to have been made by women and intended as food storage containers and cooking vessels. They are prized for their rarity and their intricate rope patterning. We are delighted to be able to include a Jōmon vase-shaped vessel in our show.

The show also includes a rare gray stoneware Sueki ware ritual offering vessel dating from the 8-9th centuries. With its elegant proportions, clean lines, and perforated foot, this is a very fine example of its type.

Many consider the Momoyama period (1573-1615) to be the high-water mark of Japanese ceramics. We have obtained a superb Bizen tokkuri or sake bottle from the period. The nearly-spherical “turnip root” shape is complemented by the nicely-developed natural glaze. Also from the Momoyama period is a great Iga storage jar – in perfect condition – its handsome shape enlivened by a beautiful natural ash glaze run.

I encourage you to stop by the Gallery from February 10 – 28, 2004, to view these important works of art, which so clearly demonstrate why antique Japanese ceramics continue to be an enduring inspiration to generations of potters, tea masters, collectors and connoisseurs.

Beatrice Lei Chang
Director

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