An Inban Ware Small Cup: Deep Blue Murky Patterns

late nineteenth century
2 1/2" x 2 1/4", 6.5 cm x 5.5 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 teacup with an unusually complex design: it shows four different patterns presented in curved bands.

The designs are murky due to the stencil application and they swirl around the exterior of the cup in a calculated and elegant way.

Please know this sides of this cup are straight as a cylinder is: the photos here might distort this by showing a bowed shape which this is not. The lead photo is the most accurate.

A densely decorated and very attractive example of Inban ware.