Cup
early 19th century
Medium
Pottery, unglazed and decorated in relief
Dimensions
H. 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm)
Classification
Ceramics
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo period (1615–1868)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Edward C. Moore Collection, Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891
Accession Number
91.1.300
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate cup, crafted by the Japanese potter Koren in the 19th century during the Edo period (161–1868), exemplifies refined artistry of Japanese ceramics. Standing just 2½ inches (6.4 cm) tall, it belongs to the vibrant world of unglazed pottery, a medium prized for its earthy tactility and subtle aesthetic. The Edo era, a time of relative peace and urban flourishing, saw potters experimenting with everyday objects like this one, transforming functional items into subtle expressions of wit and beauty. The cup's surface is adorned with relief decoration—raised motifs of men and bubbles—l...