Tea bowl (chawan) c. 20th century

This tea bowl (chawan) was created by Uematsu Eiji, a contemporary Japanese potter born in 1949. The piece is a simple, yet elegant, example of Mingei (Folk Craft) aesthetics. The chawan's irregular shape and rough, unglazed surface, with shades of gray and brown, accentuate the natural beauty of the clay. The bowl's simple form speaks to a deep appreciation for the natural materials and the craftsmanship involved in creating functional pottery. The bowl's irregular shape and rough, unglazed surface are typical of Mingei aesthetics, where functionality and a sense of rustic beauty are prized.