A Set of Five Inban Ware Sake Cups: Stenciled with Katagami

late nineteenth century
each: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" diameter, 3.75 cm x 3.75 cm

Inban ware is a type of every day ceramic from old Japan that uses hand cut stencils or katagami 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 set of five sake cups with a desirable design where Inban ware is concerned. The design is a very small komon, or all-over pattern. These komon patterns on Inban ware are collectible: this one seems to show stylized pine trees against a background of U-shaped designs.

What is also visible on this Inban ware set of sake cups 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 group in the traditional Japanese set of five.

Recommended.