Teapot 1790

This black stoneware teapot was made by Rantei, and is an example of Banko ware. Banko ware emerged from a late 18th century milieu where Japanese literati were exploring the artistic possibilities of ceramics for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Ko泉, or Nunami Rozan, a figure associated with experimental potting and known for his eccentric, individualistic style, was one of the first to sign his work using the name ‘Banko’. The practice of using seals in this way has close associations with Japan’s literary and artistic culture. The distinctive sideways spout indicates that this teapot was designed for sencha tea. This type of tea was seen as more refined and sophisticated than matcha, and was often favoured by artists and intellectuals. Historians of art and culture consult a wide range of sources in order to more fully understand the social and institutional contexts that give artworks their meaning.