Friday, January 7, 2011

USAGI-ZU SUITEKI


One last rabbit themed post to usher in the first full week of the year of the rabbit. This great little suiteki (water dropper) was acquired at the famous To-ji flea market in Kyoto. This suiteki has a thin white slip over the stoneware clay with an underglaze blue decorated rabbit under a clear glaze most likely made from ash. The piece is definitely 20th century and appears to be made in Kyushu, either Karatsu or Hagi, though there always is the Asahi (Matsubayashi Hosai) school right near Kyoto! Where ever it hails from, you have to appreciate the direct and fleet style of decoration on an everyday utilitarian pot.