Wine cup 19th century

This wine cup was made by Aoki Mokubei in Japan during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Mokubei was a celebrated ceramicist and painter known for his literati tastes. This cup reflects the growing interest in Chinese culture among Japanese intellectuals of the Edo period. The simple, somewhat rustic design aligns with Zen aesthetics, while the overall form suggests a scholar's refined lifestyle. Mokubei himself was deeply engaged with the artistic and intellectual circles of his time, where drinking parties and artistic collaborations were common. This work invites us to consider the social life of art objects. By researching Mokubei's biography, the history of tea culture, and the artistic trends of the Edo period, we can better understand the complex cultural values embodied in this seemingly simple wine cup. The meaning of this cup isn't just in its aesthetic, but in its rich social and institutional context.