Awagi and other wares
A — Large hibatchi of brown stoneware, covered with a thick celadon
glaze, boldly crackled, the cracks being emphasised by having a dark
stain rubbed into them. This is a good specimen of Mikawagi ware,
made in the province of Hizen. Height: 12 inches.
B — Tea-bowl of rudely-manipulated earthenware, covered with a drab
glaze, and ornamented in relief with the crest of the house of Soma,
and with a horse tethered to two stakes. Soma ware is manufactured
at the Nakamura pottery, in the province of Inaki. The crest of the
Soma family is the only instance in which a quadruped is used as a
cognisance in Japanese heraldry. Height: 3 inches.
C — Tea-bowl of dark earthenware, with rusticated surface, covered
with a speckled glaze. As in all the authenticated examples of Soma
ware, this quaint piece bears the family cognisance, the horse. Height:
3¼ inches.
D — Vase of Awagi ware, carefully potted, and decorated, in slight
relief, with fir and mume trees. The ground of the vase is covered
with a bright yellow glaze, and the trees are coloured with green
and brown transparent enamels. Height: 14½ inches.
E — Vase of Awagi ware, of drab tint, boldly splashed with dark blue,
and covered with a bright glaze. Height: 14¼ inches.
F — Vase of Awagi ware, richly splashed with green, yellow and purple,
and brightly glazed. This and the preceding vase are interesting specimens
of the Japanese imitations of the Chinese splashed porcelains. Height:
14¼ inches.
Lithograph, by Leveil, published 1875.
