– Ko-Seto ware: historic kiln tradition from Seto region, Aichi Prefecture – Uma-no-me (horse's eye) pattern: distinctive concentric-circle decoration in iron-brown glaze Summary: This dish represents Ko-Seto ware, one of Japan's oldest and most influential ceramic traditions, rooted in the medieval kilns of Seto in Aichi Prefecture. Ko-Seto, meaning "Old Seto," refers to ceramics made roughly between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, though the style persisted in later eras. This plate features a rich brown glaze in the characteristic uma-no-me (horse's eye) pattern—concentric circles painted in iron oxide that evoke ripples or organic motifs. The warm, earthy palette and irregular form reflect a potter's hand unencumbered by modern precision. With natural age-related patina and some surface wear, this dish carries the unmistakable character of a well-travelled object. It offers collectors a tangible link to one of Japan's foundational ceramic lineages. Seto has been synonymous with Japanese ceramics for so long that the word "setomono" became the generic term for pottery itself. The region's potters supplied tea masters, temples, and households with everything from tea jars to utilitarian tableware, earning a reputation for technical skill and glaze innovation. Ko-Seto wares are typically covered in brown, amber, or yellow-green glazes derived from natural ash and iron. The uma-no-me pattern—literally "horse's eye"—refers to the painted concentric circles that animate the surface. These motifs were applied quickly, with a loaded brush, capturing a sense of spontaneity. On this dish, the iron-brown glaze pools unevenly, creating darker accents around the painted circles and lighter tones where the glaze runs thin. The irregular, almost triangular shape suggests hand-forming or trimming that prioritised function over symmetry. Seto's kilns flourished during Japan's medieval period, supplying ceramic wares long before other regions developed their own distinct styles. By the Edo period, Seto potters had mastered a broad range of techniques, though Ko-Seto refers specifically to earlier traditions that emphasised rustic, natural glazes. Collectors value Ko-Seto for its historical significance and for the directness of its aesthetic—there is no attempt to disguise the clay, the kiln's effects, or the maker's gestures. In contemporary settings, this dish functions beautifully as a display object, a shallow vessel for fruit or dried arrangements, or simply as a tactile reminder of Japan's long ceramic history. The brown glaze reads as warm and grounding, complementing natural wood, stone, or linen textures. On a modern shelf or in a curiosity cabinet, it provides a counterpoint to sleek surfaces and geometric forms. Condition is consistent with age. The dish shows minor surface wear, light scratches, and natural crazing in the glaze. There is a very small rim imperfection, typical of genuine Edo-period tableware and the result of long-term use and history. Importantly, there are no significant chips or cracks that affect the structural integrity or overall visual appeal. The patina and subtle imperfections strongly support its authenticity as a true period piece rather than a later reproduction. Ko-Seto wares are foundational to the study of Japanese ceramics. Museums and serious collectors prize early examples for their historical importance and their influence on later tea-related pottery traditions. This dish, though modest in scale, embodies the aesthetic principles that shaped Japanese ceramic culture. For those who appreciate the honest simplicity of early Japanese pottery, this Ko-Seto dish offers a quiet but enduring presence. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese ceramics and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.