This simple bowl, attributed to one of the major workships in the Awataguchi district of eastern Kyoto, examplifies the high standard of workmanship of which Kyoto potters were justly proud. The shape and glaze are based on the classic Chinese Chien ware, or Temmoku, tea bowl. Many large Kyoto temples owned hundreds of such bowls for use in entertaining large groups of guests.
Provenance:
To 1896
Rufus E. Moore, New York to 1896 [1]
From 1896 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Rufus E. Moore in 1896 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See Original Pottery List, L. 383, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection:
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History:
Kyoto Ceramics (November 9, 1984 to April 25, 1985)
Untitled Exhibition, Japanese Art (October 3, 1947 to February 25, 1956)
Untitled Exhibition, Japanese Art, 1946 (May 3, 1946 to October 6, 1947)
