Project Description
This small nineteenth century teapot is decorated in a style that was developed in the Kyushu region following the sixteenth century Japanese invasion of Korea. With the relocation of skilled Korean potters to the Japanese isles, Satsuma ware developed as a style of Japanese pottery. Though it originally developed as utilitarian, with dark clay and dark glazes, as it developed, it became best known for its ivory-colored crackled glaze and intricate decoration. This type of pottery quickly gained recognition among Western collectors after its introduction at the Paris Exposition of 1867. This Exposition was the second World’s Fair to be held, wherein forty two nations were represented. For the first time, Japan was included and the country’s art had a chance to shine. It was well-received by the European populations and quickly rose to a sustained popularity. The main feature of this teapot is the predominant red and gold pattern. Two panels show sages reading and drinking, a common design of East Asian ceramics. The teapot’s handle is coiled and braided bamboo. It came to the Berea College collection as a gift of Mrs. Francis (Frances) Utley in 1985. During their lifetimes, the parents of Francis Utley, Rev. and Mrs. N. W. Utley, amassed a significant collection of East Asian ceramics, many of which have found their way into our collection.
-Charla Hamilton