Cup
Unknown Artist
18th century
Medium
Clay covered with a transparent glaze and decorated under the glaze (Kiyomizu ware, Kenzan style)
Dimensions
H. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Colman, 1893
Accession Number
93.1.51
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate cup, crafted in 18th-century Japan during the Edo (1615–1868), exemplifies the refined artistry of Kiyomizu from Kyoto. Standing just 4 3/8 inches (11.1 cm) tall, it is formed from clay coated with a transparent glaze, subtle leaf motifs painted beneath the glaze—a technique that embeds the decoration permanently into the surface, ensuring vibrant colors and durability over time. Produced by an unknown artist in the esteemed Kenzan style it echoes the innovative spirit of potter Ogata Kenzan (1663–1743), whose playful designs blended painting and ceramics. Kiyomizu ware, named a...