Karatsu-style Irregularly Shaped Tea Bowl

The irregular form of this tea bowl is reminiscent of the dynamic style that flourished in the Momoyama period (1573-1615). Characteristic of the art of this period, which was led by the powerful military elite, are bold compositions and vigorous designs, which can be observed throughout the arts – from architecture and painting to armour, textile and furniture. Ceramic tea wares were no exception, and Momoyama potters produced them with intentionally distorted shapes and bold decorations. The counter-aesthetics of the tea ceremony, which had been established by then, called for weathered, unpretentious and imperfect settings and this type of ware. Later, potters often copied the styles of the past.