Nin'ami Dohachi (Japanese, 1783–1855). <em>Bowl in the Shape of a Gourd, Kyoto Ware</em>, mid–19th century. Stoneware with underglaze iron oxide decoration, 3 7/16 x 7 5/16 x 9 3/8 in. (8.8 x 18.5 x 23.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Estate of Charles A. Brandon, by exchange, 1994.93. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1994.93_side_PS4.jpg)

Bowl in the Shape of a Gourd, Kyoto Ware

Artist:Nin'ami Dohachi

Medium: Stoneware with underglaze iron oxide decoration

Geograhical Locations:

Dates:mid–19th century

Dimensions: 3 7/16 x 7 5/16 x 9 3/8 in. (8.8 x 18.5 x 23.8 cm)

Collections:

Accession Number: 1994.93

Image: 1994.93_side_PS4.jpg,

Catalogue Description:
This 150 year old bowl is executed in the decorative style of Kyoto ware by Nin'ami Dohachi, (178301855), one of the best known potterns in the late Edo period. It is in the form of a gourd (hisago), or the fruit of the Evening Glory plant. Its form may be associated with the tea ceremony tradition, established during the 16th century in Kyoto. The piece bears the potter's seal in the shape of a trumpet-shell (hora-gai), possibly used during the artist's later period, known as the Momoyama kiln from 1842-55. The style of the piece is undoubtedly reminiscent of the work of Ogata Kenzan (1 663-1743), whom Dohachi often copied in specific works. The piece displays an extraordinary intrinsic aesthetic beauty. It also exhibits features of historic and documentary significance. The museum not only has the original storage box which is traditionally signed and sealed but the original packing materials such as the cord and wrapping cloths.

Brooklyn Museum