Antique Japanese Mino Ware Ash Glaze Chawan Muromachi Period Kintsugi Repair

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This is an antique Japanese ash-glazed ceramic tea bowl (chawan), believed to be associated with the Seto–Mino pottery tradition of the Muromachi period (15th–16th century). It is accompanied by a wooden storage box and a purple fabric cushion.

The bowl has a beautifully balanced form, with gently rounded sides that open naturally toward the rim and a small, raised foot.

One of its most attractive features is the remarkable ash glaze. The surface displays delicate shades of pale yellow-green and soft gray, with subtle variations in color and texture created during firing. Areas of greenish glaze accumulation around the lower body and foot add depth and character to the piece.

A fine network of crackling extends across the glazed surface, creating a rich, aged texture. The natural variations in the glaze, together with the exposed clay around the lower body, give the bowl a quiet, rustic beauty associated with traditional Japanese tea aesthetics.

The unglazed foot reveals the earthy ceramic body, with visible trimming marks and an irregular handmade texture.

Decorative Kintsugi Repair

An especially fascinating feature of this bowl is its unusual decorative restoration.

Several cracks extending across the interior and exterior have been repaired with dark brown to black lines decorated with delicate gold-colored arabesque patterns (karakusa motifs).

Unlike ordinary kintsugi repairs, which often emphasize simple gold lines, these repairs feature intricate scrolling designs reminiscent of traditional Japanese maki-e lacquer decoration.

The branching repaired lines create an expressive composition across the pale greenish glaze, transforming the bowl's damage into a distinctive decorative feature.

The precise materials and date of the restoration have not been verified.

Historical Background

During the Muromachi period, pottery production in the Seto and Mino regions developed closely related traditions of ash-glazed ceramics.

This bowl is believed to belong to that broader Seto–Mino tradition, although its exact kiln of origin and production date have not been confirmed.

Its understated form, beautiful glaze variations, and later decorative restoration make it an interesting example of Japanese ceramic aesthetics and the appreciation of repaired objects.

Features

• Estimated Period: Muromachi period, approximately 15th–16th century (attribution not confirmed)

• Possible Origin: Mino ware / Seto–Mino ceramic tradition

• Type: Ash-glazed ceramic tea bowl (chawan)

• Glaze: Pale yellow-green and soft gray ash glaze with natural color variations, glaze pooling, and fine crackling.

• Clay Body: Earthy ceramic body with exposed unglazed areas around the lower body and foot

• Restoration: Decorative kintsugi-style repair with gold-colored arabesque (karakusa) patterns

• Accessories: Wooden storage box and purple fabric cushion

Dimensions

Tea Bowl

• Height: 8.0 cm / 3.15 in

• Diameter: 14.3 cm / 5.63 in

• Weight: 335 g / 0.74 lb

Wooden Box

• Height: 10.0 cm / 3.94 in

• Width: 19.0 cm / 7.48 in

• Depth: 19.0 cm / 7.48 in

Condition

The bowl is in antique condition, showing age-related wear, glaze irregularities, staining, and fine crazing.

There are several significant cracks that have been repaired with decorative dark-colored lines featuring gold-colored arabesque patterns. The repairs are visible on both the interior and exterior.

The rim and repaired areas show small chips, surface irregularities, and signs of previous damage. Please examine the close-up photographs carefully.

The wooden box shows scratches, wear, and discoloration consistent with age.

This bowl is recommended for collection and decorative display only, not for food or drink use.

Please carefully review all photographs for details of its condition, restoration, and included accessories.