LIDDED TEA BOWL, Ko-Imari, with underglaze blue connected leaf design, set of 10, Edo Period（1603–1867CE）

A set of 10 Ko-Imari underglaze-blue lidded tea bowls dating to the Edo period.

On the exterior of both the body and the lid, a large motif of interlinked leaves is painted in underglaze blue. Overlapping fine strokes that evoke leaf veins, together with subtle variations in the blue’s intensity, lend the vessel a cool, rhythmic presence. A band pattern with stippling encircles the rim, and the interior well is adorned with a small gourd motif.

The vessel is attractive even with the lid set in place; its low, softly rounded profile provides an excellent backdrop for the underglaze-blue design. Of a convenient size for use as a small serving dish or side bowl, it is easy to incorporate into service for simmered dishes, dressed vegetables, sweets, and the like.

That the set survives intact as a group of ten adds to its appeal. Each piece is convenient for individual use, and having them together makes them practical for meals, tea gatherings, or for coordinating tableware in a shop. The connected‑leaf design, though simply rendered, is vigorous; the variations in indigo and the energy of the brushwork reveal a quality characteristic of Ko‑Imari.

There are individual variations in the depth of the underglaze blue and in the firing, each conveying the hand of the maker. Alongside fine wear consistent with age, glaze irregularities, and iron specks, the foot rims of the bowl and lid show old nicks and slight chipping. Nevertheless, there is no substantial damage that compromises the overall appearance, and the piece is in good condition for an antique ceramic.