Early Imari Blue-and-White Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Pattern Tenmoku-Style Chawan

Dimensions: Longest diameter approx. 10.7cm × Shortest diameter approx. 10.5cm Height approx. 7.0cmWeight: Approx. 229g
Restoration: Reconstructive restoration with vermilion lacquer and gold/silver maki-e
A tenmoku-style tea bowl revived from fragments of early Imari ware. The section missing about one-fifth of its volume was reconstructed using resin. Vermilion lacquer was applied to this restored area, and then gold and silver maki-e were used to add an aquatic plant motif.
Characteristic of the formative period within early Imari is its simple, rustic decoration—painted with cobalt in a single, sweeping stroke. Echoing this spirit, the maki-e here depicts simple, tranquil aquatic plants.
Rather than simply covering the loss with gold, the base was prepared with vermilion and black before layering gold and silver maki-e. This approach accentuates the traces of restoration, creating a new visual landscape across the entire tea bowl.
A cup of tea prepared in this vessel, radiating a quiet presence, promises a rich moment where the simplicity of early Imari resonates with the refined elegance of gold and silver maki-e.