FLAT BOTTLE, Sue Ware, Nara–Heian Period（710–1185CE）

Flat bottle of Sue ware, dating to the Nara–Heian periods.

The small, flattened body carries an off-center, upright neck and mouth, and a pierced handle is set into the shoulder. Though small enough to fit in the palm, it clearly reveals the low center of gravity typical of flat bottles and the vessel’s laterally spreading form.

The body is chiefly ash-gray to dark gray, with areas where a reddish clay surface shows through. From the shoulder down there are firing-induced rough patches, accretions, and flakes that have lifted away to leave whitish, faded areas, imparting the dry texture characteristic of ancient Sue ware. Rather than a neatly finished vessel, it is a richly expressive piece whose clay surface has emerged over the course of time.

The neck and rim are slightly distorted, and the lip bears small chips and surface abrasion. The handle shows areas of flaking, revealing the underlying white clay in places. Although the piece is worn, that very wear imparts the quietly weathered character of an ancient vessel.

This is not intended for practical use as a sake vessel, but rather as a small ancient-form object to be placed and admired on a shelf or in the corner of a tea-room arrangement. Its condition has been taken into account and is reflected in the price.

There are areas of flaking on the handle and surface. Additionally, there are small chips along the rim, abrasion, adhering deposits, and soil encrustation.