Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Period Seto Mingei Ceramic Ishizara Plate

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A glazed stoneware Ishizara (food serving platter) from Seto kilns. The platter features an unusual lobed edge and a slight … Read more A glazed stoneware Ishizara (food serving platter) from Seto kilns. The platter features an unusual lobed edge and a slight irregular form from hand made. On the plate, a carp and a bamboo branch were highlighted in a green-celadon glaze, with an intentional visual effect of stencil-like, giving it a very folky (Mingei) aethetic. There is a ring of seven spur marks in the center, from the stacking firing in the kiln, and a feldspar left on the surface. This type of platters was likely made in Seto and Mino kilns with various qualities and were meant for daily use. They tend to have a rustic and robust form and a wabi-sabi appeal that came naturally from the kiln process. This particular ishizara is relatively more refined in its form and decoration compared to the other basic ware.
The platter shows evidence of extensive use. There are two crack lines from the edge, one larger and one smaller, both were repaired historically with a dark lacquer substance. There are three small, drilled holes around the edge, the purpose of which we are not certain. See less