Old Seto Spotted Iron Glazed Tea Bowl, Muromachi Period/1336-1573CE

The Muromachi period (1336-1573) is an important period in the history of Japanese ceramics, of which Seto ware occupies a very important position. Seto is located in what is now Aichi Prefecture, and the area is one of the oldest pottery production areas in Japan, especially known for the production of tea bowls. In the Muromachi period, Japanese tea culture developed greatly, and the tea ceremony spread especially in the late Muromachi period. In this new culture, Seto ware tea bowls played an important role.

The iron glaze used in this piece is mottled, and the bowl was originally discarded as unfinished. Also, there is a fix around the mouth. However, the ability to find “wabi-sabi” in such imperfections and enjoy the scenery after baking is also a spirituality born from the tea ceremony.