Set of Five Antique Ao-Oribe Ceramic Dishes with Tomobako Edo Period

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A set of five Japanese ceramic dishes in an inscribed tomobako box. These dishes were made in the types of … Read more A set of five Japanese ceramic dishes in an inscribed tomobako box. These dishes were made in the types of Ko-Oribe (Old-Oribe) and dated in the early to middle 19th century (end of Edo period) serving as Mukozuke dished for multiple-course kaiseki cuisine. Ko-Oribe ware were made during Momoyama period (15-16th century) as a subtype of Mino ware and favored by tea master for their irregular and organic spirit.
In slightly irregular oval shape and average 7.5" by 6.5", one edge of these dishes is covered in a pleasant irregular sliver of deep green glaze (therefore these are also known as Ao-Oribe, Green-Oribe). The main surface is covered in a white glaze with fine crackles and decorated in the center with a motif of fern branch in a grey-black glaze. The glaze has a sheen indicating a high concentration of magnesium. The five dishes vary subtly in shape, color and hand-applied glazing and paint pattern, The foot supports were cut short and remain unglazed revealing a whitish buff-ware like clay underneath.
The set of Mukozuke dishes retains its original tomobako. On the lid, ink kanji inscription reads: Ko (old)-Seto, Mukozuke for Five, Shotoken (presumably the name of a high-end dining or tea house establishment where the dishes were collected and belonged).
For a comparable Mukuzuke Oribe dish from the same period, see item 81.97.8 in the collection of Portland Art Musuem.
A ko-oribe dish from Momoyama period can be seen in the collection of National Museum of Asian Art F1973.6a-e. See less