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HARES MATCHA BOWL (MACHAWAN) – 20th

Reference: 2023-1099

Matcha bowl (machawan) in clay decorated with two hare, partly glazed.

A fine contrast between the unglazed foot, which retains the raw color and rough, matt appearance of the clay, and the rest of the bowl, which is partly glazed with a brown layer with a smooth and shiny appearance. The body is underglazed with two running hares and a sayagata motif (derived frow swastika, a symbol of good fortune).

Unidentified mark on the foot.

Accompanied by its original transport box, including the seal and various inscriptions.

Japan – 20th century

Height: 3.15 in. (8 cm) – diameter: 4.6 in. (11.7 cm)

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In Japanese, the hare and the rabbit are referred to by a single word: usagi. The animal is one of the twelve animals of the zodiac in Sino-Japanese astrology. It also plays a role in may folk tales and legends.

The bowl is irregular shape and decoration are typical of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, which is based on simplicity, randomness and the natural patina of time. When preparing matcha tea, most of the bowl is left empty so the colors of both the matcha and the bowl can be admired.

IMARI PORCELAIN COVERED POT – 19thCORDED TEA CUP, TATSUZÔ SHIMAOKA (MINGEI) – SHÔWA