Jar - Stoneware - Wabi-Sabi miniature pot

A particularly antique East Asian miniature pot of high-fired stoneware, dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. This rare object, with a height of 4.5 centimeters and a diameter of 6.4 centimeters, weighs only 80 grams and is in an authentic, unrestored state. The specific, flattened discus form with an extremely narrow neck opening points to an original function as an salve or oil pot for precious liquids, or as a traditional water dropletper for calligraphy.

The pot is made from a coarse, iron-rich reddish-brown clay that is visible on the underside on the hand-formed foot ring. The exterior features a characteristic gray-white crazed ash- or feldspar glaze that, during the reducing firing process, developed unique dark carbon spots. These organic imperfections align perfectly with the classical Japanese Wabi-Sabi aesthetics, which celebrate the beauty of the natural and ephemeral. The matte, lightly etched texture of the glaze suggests that the object may originate from the maritime export trade of Southeast Asian shipwreck ceramics, such as historical Sawankhalok wares, or a piece from early use in the Japanese Edo period. This anonymous masterpiece shows no maker’s mark or signature, which is inherent to the spirit of this type of antique utilitarian pottery, and, due to its delicate size and striking texture, forms a beautiful collector’s piece.

Dimensions: 4.5 x 6.4 x 6.4 cm
Weight: 80 g