Teabowl 1600 - 1633

Hon'ami Kōetsu, a prominent figure in the Japanese tea ceremony, crafted this teabowl between 1600 and 1633. Known for its rustic and simple aesthetic, the bowl's rough, uneven surface and subtle glaze reflect the ideals of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that embraces imperfection and transience. The bowl's small size and intimate form, typical of teabowls, suggest a focus on simplicity and the mindful appreciation of the present moment. This teabowl, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, exemplifies Kōetsu's masterful craftsmanship and the enduring influence of wabi-sabi on Japanese art.