Teabowl 1734 - 1799

Ogata Kenzan crafted this striking teabowl, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its rough, dark glaze contrasts dramatically with the stylized, light-colored foliage pattern. This juxtaposition creates a powerful visual tension, evoking a sense of rustic elegance. Kenzan's approach to pottery was deeply influenced by the Rinpa school’s decorative style, which favored bold designs and natural motifs. Yet, Kenzan destabilizes traditional ceramic art through the asymmetrical placement of the decoration and the slightly irregular form of the bowl. These choices challenge fixed notions of beauty and perfection. The textured surface and organic shapes suggest a connection to nature. But the stylized rendering pushes it towards abstraction. Consider how the interplay of dark and light, rough and smooth, contributes to the bowl's dynamic presence. It serves not just as a vessel but as a statement of artistic innovation and philosophical inquiry.