Early Ming dynasty, China (15th Century)
Donated by Satō Kiyoharu
This is a celadon porcelain cup, known as Tenryūji celadon porcelain, fired in the Longquan kilns in Zhejiang Province, China. In Europe, this type of porcelain is sometimes called “greenware”.
Large amounts of Tenryūji celadon porcelain was brought by ship to Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) through the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573). It displays a deep blueish-green comparable to the bright blue coloring of the kinuta celadon porcelain created during the Southern Song Dynasty.
The foot of the vessel is tall enough to grip in one’s hand, a shape ideal for drinking while riding a horse.