Early 20th c. Antique Japanese tea bowl by ceramicist Matsumoto Shigenobu (1864-1950). Tokoname-ware bowl hand-thrown in stoneware with a gently flared form and finished in a warm, speckled glaze rich in iron, characteristic of the region’s clay. Traditional Wari-kodai (split foot) with hand signature to base. Overlaid with hand-painted calligraphic script known as ‘Hentaigana’ which translates to ‘waka’ - a traditional 31-syllable poem.
Translation:
"The gate of the pine tree, meant to last a thousand years, has opened; its unchanging colour remains just as it is, even in today’s spring."
A complete set - Hand signed bowl, with silk shifuku bag and original wooden tomobako storage box with artists signature and seal. Museum-quality example with original provenance.
Size - 13cm Diameter x 8cm H
Period - Taisho period (1912–1926)
Production - Studio pottery piece
Condition - Pristine - no chips, cracks or restorations to the bowl. Some fraying to the silk bag and light, age-expected wear to the presentation box.
Matsumoto Shigenobu (1864–1950) was a distinguished artisan from Tokoname, one of Japan's "Six Ancient Kilns." A master of the "literary style," his work serves as an artistic bridge between the Edo and Modern eras. Shigenobu’s ceramics are highly sought after by collectors and remain staples in prestigious auctions and specialised galleries, such as Oranda Jin (The Netherlands) and Kyoto Art (Japan).
Early 20th c. Antique Japanese tea bowl by ceramicist Matsumoto Shigenobu (1864-1950). Tokoname-ware bowl hand-thrown in stoneware with a gently flared form and finished in a warm, speckled glaze rich in iron, characteristic of the region’s clay. Traditional Wari-kodai (split foot) with hand signature to base. Overlaid with hand-painted calligraphic script known as ‘Hentaigana’ which translates to ‘waka’ - a traditional 31-syllable poem.
Translation:
"The gate of the pine tree, meant to last a thousand years, has opened; its unchanging colour remains just as it is, even in today’s spring."
A complete set - Hand signed bowl, with silk shifuku bag and original wooden tomobako storage box with artists signature and seal. Museum-quality example with original provenance.
Size - 13cm Diameter x 8cm H
Period - Taisho period (1912–1926)
Production - Studio pottery piece
Condition - Pristine - no chips, cracks or restorations to the bowl. Some fraying to the silk bag and light, age-expected wear to the presentation box.
Matsumoto Shigenobu (1864–1950) was a distinguished artisan from Tokoname, one of Japan's "Six Ancient Kilns." A master of the "literary style," his work serves as an artistic bridge between the Edo and Modern eras. Shigenobu’s ceramics are highly sought after by collectors and remain staples in prestigious auctions and specialised galleries, such as Oranda Jin (The Netherlands) and Kyoto Art (Japan).
