20. Oribe rectangular plates, set of three

20. Oribe rectangular plates, set of three

 

Reddish tan clay, with cream, green, and brown glazes, most of the base is unglazed. Weight (of each): ca. 510 g (1.1 lb). Dimensions: 19.7 x 16.7 cm (7-3/4 x 6-3/4 in). Height: 1.3 cm (1/2 in). 

There were molded on a form; The shape of each differs slightly due to subsequent hand-molding by the potter. On the bottom side, sloping sides rise above a central flat area to a narrow rim. A spatula was used to create three shallow indentations on the base of each plate. The bottom of each plate is stamped with the maker’s mark. The impression was so light that it’s hard to read the characters. In any case, the characters are written in “seal” script, which reproduces the forms used over two millennia ago and are far beyond my abilities to decipher. On the top side, a central flat, rectangular area is surrounded by sides sloping upward to the rim. There are decided seams where the flat area meets the sides and in each corner where the sides meet one another. The rim is rounded.

The ground is cream colored, with the decorations applied in a brown slip with a Japanese brush. The green glaze was applied over this, with the plate tilted to force the glaze to run into the traditional "tears." The edges of the exterior are also covered with the green glaze. Each plate depicts seven flying birds (swallows?). The rows of birds fly in different directions, and the bodies are oriented toward the nearest long side, with the birds’ stomachs facing the edge. The more geometrical patterns in the corners derive from Japanese textile patterns. Although each plate has a similar decoration, the decorations were individually painted by hand and differ slightly.

These would be used as plates in a Japanese meal. The shape and design are standard and often reproduced.

Purchased at the Japan Trade Center in San Francisco in 1988.

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