A 19th Century Inban Ware Cup: Stencil Applied Design

late nineteenth century
2 1/4" x 3" diameter, 5.5 cm x 7.5 cm diameter
**five pieces are available; each slightly different than the other
If you are interested in buying this one and another or another few, please click through and buy this one and then contact me to arrange to buy another or more

Inban ware is a type of every day ceramic from old Japan that uses hand cut stencils to guide its design on to its surface: the stencils used for this purpose are very similar to those used in the katazome dyeing process, which makes Inban ware an interesting counterpart to folk textiles.

Inban ware was only produced for a narrow window of time, roughly from around 1878 to 1898.

Shown here is a cup with a desirable design where Inban ware is concerned. The design is a  small komon, or all-over pattern. These komon patterns on Inban ware are collectible: the images in the pattern on this one seem to be based on a stylized pine tree but it is hard to tell.

What is also visible on this Inban ware teacup is also a desirable detail, the joins where the stencil overlaps are quite clear and it is this "flaw" in the process of stenciling the cup that adds warmth and charm.

A delightful thing.

Recommended.