Tsubo jar, known as Tanba

Explanation

The jar has an inscription of its creation: the third year of Emperor Kōei, in early June—which refers to 1344. There are several jars of the same type with the “1344” inscribed, some July, others September, and so on. The regnal year Kōei indicates the period during which two Imperial courts coexisted in conflict, and this particular regnal title is for the Northern Imperial Court, suggesting that he earthenware was produced under the authority of the ruling Ashikaga clan. The body was coiled, smoothed on a potter’s wheel, and fired unglazed. Reduction firing resulted in the reddish-brown color through the oxidation of the iron in the clay. The overall shape is plain without any cosmetic techniques applied. The shoulder is covered partially in a natural glaze.