Hirasawa Kuro (1772-1840) Antique SETO pottery tea bowl #5189
- SKU:
- 5189
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Width: approx. 12cm (4 23⁄32in)
Height: approx. 8cm (3 5⁄32in)
Weight: 492g (w/ box 719g)
Writting: A Shino tea bowl crafted by Hirasawa Kuro, a samurai of the Owari Domain
Condition: damaged box
Hirasawa Kuro
1772-1840
male
seto pottery
Hirasawa Kuro was a samurai of the Owari domain during the late Edo period, known as both a tea practitioner and a potter.
In 1791, he became a personal attendant to Lord Tokugawa Munemochi, the daimyo of the Owari domain. He later held various positions, including household chamberlain and inspector. In 1801, he was appointed as a steward for the Takasu domain, but the following year, he retired due to illness, passing the headship of his family to his eldest son, Ichitane (later known as Tōsai).
After his retirement, Kuro established "Koganegatani Yōrōen" (Golden Valley Healing Garden) at the foot of Shimizuzaka, east of Nagoya Castle, where he devoted himself to tea ceremony and pottery. His residence included tea rooms named "Konjakuan" and "Kyūan", where he practiced the Uraku school of tea ceremony. He also engaged with numerous tea masters from various schools, including Hirao Kazunari (head of the tea arts in the Owari domain), Matsuo Sōgo (fifth head of the Matsuo school), Kobori Sōchū (eighth head of the Enshū school), and Fuzōan Ryūkei.
As a potter, Kuro produced a wide range of works, including styles such as Seto, Shino, Oribe, Ki-Seto, and Karatsu. His iron-glazed (Seto-yū) pieces were particularly well-regarded, with tea ceremony records of the time referencing them, for example, as "Water jar, Seto, made by Kuro." His works often bear inscriptions such as "Kuro" or the character "ku". The accompanying wooden boxes feature his signature, seal, or an embossed "pine" mark.
Kuro's pottery activities were significantly influenced by his deep relationship with Kato Shuntai, a renowned potter from Seto. Many of his pieces are believed to have been created with Shuntai's assistance, further reflecting the high regard for Kuro's artistry during his time.
His creations became known as Kuro ware and were praised for their unique elegance. Both of his sons, Tōsai (Ichitane) and Shōhaku, became skilled potters, inheriting their father's techniques and artistic sensibilities.
Through his dedication to tea ceremony and pottery, Hirasawa Kuro fostered cultural exchanges and made a significant impact on the ceramic traditions of the Owari region. His diverse works and connections with prominent tea practitioners speak to the cultural richness of the late Edo period, leaving a legacy that continues to be celebrated.
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