An Inban Ware Cup: Large Stenciled Design
2 1/2" x 3 1/4" (diameter), 6.25 cm x 8.25 cm
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 bell-shaped teacup with a large-repeat pattern of what seem to be a kind of Indian-inspired flower design.
The application of the design is flawed in a way that makes this kind of ceramic attractive: there are skids, some missed areas and some faint application of blue glaze.
A very attractive example of Inban ware with a very attractive, large repeat pattern.
(Two more pieces are available in addition to this one: if you would like more than one piece please email and we can organize the sale offline).
