Overview
The Shino Tea Bowl inscribed “Uhanakagi” is a masterpiece representing the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, embodying Japan’s unique aesthetic sensibility. It is an extremely important cultural property, designated as a National Treasure (kokuhō) both as Shino-yaki and as Mino ware. Of all tea bowls (chawan) designated as National Treasures from Japan, this piece, along with the work by Honami Kōetsu titled “Hakuraku Chawan inscribed ‘Fuji’,” are among only two such items. It is known as the pinnacle of Eshino (painted Shino ware), a style characterized by iron painting, among all Shino-yaki fired in the Mino region of Gifu Prefecture.
Historical Background
During the Azuchi-Momoyama Period, with the development of the tea ceremony (chanoyu), there was a shift away from valuing Chinese imports (karamono) toward appreciating wamono, or objects embodying uniquely Japanese strength and refined simplicity. Shino-yaki originated in Mino, becoming one of Japan’s first ceramic wares to use white feldspar glaze. This specific bowl is known to have been fired at the Muta Boraga-yama kiln (Oogaya), among many kilns in Mino. It strongly reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of tea practitioners of that time and represents a major turning point in the history of Japanese ceramics.
Features and Appeal
This chawan perfectly fuses the unique techniques of Shino-yaki with an artistic “beauty of asymmetry.”
- Unique Shape and Texture: The vessel deliberately possesses a “distortion” (hizumi) in its form, embodying the aesthetic appreciation for imperfection prevalent at the time. The thick feldspar glaze is snow white, featuring a soft, warm texture marked by fine pinholes called kannyū (craquelure) or yuzuhada (citrus skin).
- Origin of the Name “Uhanakagi”: The simple fence pattern painted in iron wash on the surface suggests a scene reminiscent of white uhanaka flowers blooming against a lattice fence in early summer. This name was inspired by a poem from Fujiwara no Kōnin, a poet of the Heian Period (referencing Uhanaka flowers blooming near mountain dwellings).
- Exquisite Color and Form: The color contrast between the pure white glaze and the reddish-brown iron painting visible beneath is beautiful. Another notable feature is the powerful carving around the foot rim (kōdai).
- A National Treasure of Japan: Among numerous Shino chawan, its high artistic quality and refinement are unmatched, earning it recognition as a supreme treasure of Japanese pottery for the world to admire.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)