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Very old Japanese teapot-shaped pottery "Koseto" / 1200s / Excavated pottery

$800
£611.64
€704.49
CA$1,121.05
A$1,251.54
CHF 655.79
MX$15,320.10
NOK 8,328.53
SEK 7,852.74
DKK 5,257.67
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About the Item

This is Seto ware. Seto is a kiln with a long history located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (Seto kilns are marked with red circles on the map). It is said to have originated around the 13th century. In Japan, items from this period of Seto ware are referred to as "Ko-Seto." "Ko" means "old." This particular item is Ko-Seto, which was fired around the 13th century. One of the distinguishing features of Ko-Seto, as compared to other kilns, is the presence of glaze. While other kilns produced mostly unglazed pottery, Ko-Seto was covered with ash glaze, giving it a yellowish-green or pale emerald-green color. In the early Kamakura period (13th century), when Ko-Seto production began, there was increased demand from temples in Kamakura (the capital city of the time, in present-day Kanagawa Prefecture) and the Tokai region for roof tiles, Buddhist ritual objects, and burial urns. As a result, in addition to Chinese and Korean ceramics, domestic ceramics such as Ko-Seto, which imitated those styles, were produced and circulated. Later, Ko-Seto production was closely connected with the Kamakura shogunate, producing high-value, custom-made items with various designs for the urban elite of Kamakura. In other words, Ko-Seto was a type of pottery made for high-status individuals, and it was prized as a luxury item. This piece, too, was created for such people. However, it is believed that during the firing stage, the handle was damaged, so it was never sold and was discarded, only to be excavated in our time. The broken ceramic pieces were reassembled, and the missing parts were restored. The yellowish stains are likely adhesive used to prevent further flaking of the glaze. Ko-Seto is known for its weak adhesion between the clay and glaze, so many excavated pieces show some degree of glaze loss. Additionally, if you pour water into it, the bottom will become damp, so it cannot be used as a flower vase. Another feature of Ko-Seto is the incised rings on its surface, and this teapot shares that characteristic. There aren’t many surviving examples, and teapot-shaped items like this one are rare. If it were in perfect condition, it would likely be displayed in a museum. This small and charming teapot will blend seamlessly into any space, whether it’s your entryway, living room, or collection room. Although it is small, its historical significance and the meaning it carries are immeasurable. Just having one piece like this in your room allows you to feel the traditional beauty and spirit of Japan, adding a touch of richness to your daily life. Additionally, I have set a reasonable price because I want more people to appreciate the beauty of antiques. How about showing it off to your friends? Weight: 0.75kg We, Brood, are a company consisting of four different stores with four different brands. We offer a wide range of attractive items from all over the world with a focus on Japanese items.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.52 in (14 cm)Width: 5.32 in (13.5 cm)Depth: 4.45 in (11.3 cm)
  • Style:
    Other (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1200s
  • Condition:
    Repaired: After excavation, the pottery fragments were re-glued and partially restored.
  • Seller Location:
    Sammu-shi, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5487241455922

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