Antique Seto pottery tea caddy Momoyama period or later #5418

height: approx. 8.5cm (3 11⁄32in)
width: approx. 6.3cm (2 31⁄64in)
weight: 184g (w/ box 274g)
note: box damaged

This piece is a Seto ware tea caddy of the KATATSUKI type, stylistically reminiscent of the Momoyama to early Edo period (late 16th–early 17th century). The katatsuki type tea caddy is characterized by its powerful form, with a broad-shouldered upper body tapering gently toward the base. This shape became popular from the Momoyama period through the early Edo period, and within the category of old Seto ware, it was especially prized by tea masters as the culture of tea ceremony flourished. This particular piece features a dark brown glaze as its primary tone, with natural glaze drips creating a varied and expressive surface, known in Japanese as "keshiki" (scenery). Such aesthetic qualities are typical of old Seto ware from the Momoyama period, which often embraced intentional glaze flows and kiln-induced transformations (yohen) as part of the visual appeal. This piece clearly embodies those tendencies. The base retains prominent potter’s wheel marks (rokuro-me), and trimming traces are visible around the foot, indicating it was crafted by hand rather than mass-produced. These features are consistent with the handmade aesthetic characteristic of works from the Momoyama period.