JAR, E-Karatsu, iron-glazed, with grass design, hidden christian, marked with a cross and Kintsugi repair, Edo Period（1603–1867CE）

This piece is an E-Karatsu jar, characterized by its iron glaze and adorned with a grass motif, crafted during the Edo Period in the Hizen region of Karatsu. The jar features a Kintsugi repair that elegantly mends a rupture from the firing process, extending from the side to the base. The form rises gracefully from a robust shoulder to a subtly tapered mouth, exuding a quiet strength despite its simplicity. The body is embellished with a fluid grass design rendered in iron glaze, reminiscent of a single brushstroke. The glaze, a translucent pale ash-blue derived from feldspathic materials, showcases natural flows and crackles that evoke a serene landscape, embodying the passage of time with a tranquil expression.

The origins of Karatsu ware are deeply intertwined with the techniques brought over by potters from Korea, and the rustic form and iron-painted motifs of this jar resonate with the aesthetics of Joseon ceramics. The grass motif and its succinct composition reflect the Confucian ideals of introspection found in Korean buncheong and white porcelain, ultimately blossoming into a unique expression on Japanese soil.

Particularly noteworthy is the cross mark engraved on the bottom of the jar. This is believed to be a form of "hidden crest" used by the Kakure Kirishitan, or "hidden Christians," who discreetly maintained their faith under the prohibitions of the Edo period. The presence of a prayer etched on the underside of the vessel speaks to the atmosphere of the time, revealing a faith that could not be openly displayed. The small cross, shrouded from public view, transcends mere aesthetic beauty, standing as a poignant intersection of religion and history.