⸻ Antique Japanese Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jug, C. 1890

Details

Description

An exceptional hand-thrown Japanese stoneware jug from the late 19th century, featuring a beautifully balanced form and a richly nuanced … Read more An exceptional hand-thrown Japanese stoneware jug from the late 19th century, featuring a beautifully balanced form and a richly nuanced salt glaze in deep, earthen brown. Its surface reveals the artistry of traditional Meiji-era craftsmanship, with subtle tonal variations and a tactile, natural sheen.

A defining characteristic of this piece is the rectangular unglazed area on the front — an authentic kiln shadow formed when another vessel or kiln shield blocked this section during firing. This unglazed patch, pale in tone and softly textured, tells the story of the jug’s creation and adds striking visual contrast against the smooth glazed surface. Such marks are highly prized among collectors and connoisseurs of traditional Japanese ceramics, as they speak to the hand-stacked, wood-fired kiln process of the period.

Standing 10.5 inches tall, 6 inches wide at its shoulder, and 4 inches across the base, the jug’s graceful neck and rolled rim suggest it was likely used for storing sake, vinegar, or soy sauce — everyday essentials in Japanese households of the era. The unglazed base shows natural wheel marks, confirming its hand-thrown origin.

Acquired from an estate sale in the San Fernando Valley, California, in 2012, this vessel has been carefully preserved and remains in very good antique condition, with light, age-appropriate wear. Its warm glaze, asymmetrical beauty, and subtle imperfections embody the enduring appeal of the wabi-sabi aesthetic — where authenticity and impermanence are celebrated.

A timeless and sculptural statement piece that bridges utility and art, this jug adds quiet sophistication to any interior — equally at home in a modern organic setting, a collected rustic vignette, or a minimalist display.


Materials:
Salt-glazed stoneware

Style Tags:
Japanese • Wabi-Sabi • Rustic • Primitive • Farmhouse • Organic Modern • Asian Antique See less