Teabowl 18th century

This 18th-century teabowl, or chawan, is a fine example of Japanese pottery. The simple, yet elegant, black glaze was expertly applied by the renowned potter Sonyu, whose career spanned the latter half of the 17th century and the first quarter of the 18th century. The chawan, on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, stands only 5 1/4 inches tall, and features a smooth, organic, slightly rounded form. The piece's understated beauty reflects the values of the Japanese tea ceremony, where simplicity and quiet contemplation are paramount.