Page 111 - Catalogue of the Edward Morse collection of Japanese pottery MFA BOSTON

PROVINCE OF OMI 69
ZEZE (Case 7 and Plate IV. 711)
The term Zeze, with the local antiquarians of Omi, covers a wide range of ovens
and potters. The name is here restricted to certain tea-jars and other forms which,
while resembling Takatori, yet vary in certain characters.
711. Tea-bowl. D. 3J in. Fine hard fawn clay, yellowish-olive glaze, crackled, darker
inside. Outside, splash of rich cream-white overglaze, with mottled underglaze showing
through, running down to a thick drop at base. 1630
712. Flattened wine-flask, with nozzle and snout. H. 6| in. Looped handles. Side
modeled in high relief in form of mythological animal. Fine light reddish clay, rich dark
chocolate glaze mottled with golden-brown flecked with light blue. 1650
Unique form.
713' Water-jar. H. 6 in. Fine fawn clay with iron-rust tinge, thin reddish-brown glaze
with large areas of rich golden-brown glaze running. 1680
7I4~72I' Tea-jars. t 1600-1630
722. Cylindrical tea-jar. H. 2,^ in- Fine fawn clay, rich light brown glaze, with darker
overglaze. 1650
Type Ninagawa. Part III., Fig. 17.
723-734. Tea-jars. 1650-1800
Many of these resemble Takatori, but differ in clay j some of them are exceedingly rich
and refined.
A few of these are not exhibited for want of room.

SETA (Case
7)
Records show that pottery was made in the village of Seta three hundred years
ago. In 1630 water-vessels and tea-jars were made.
735- Tea-jar. H. 2^ in. Vertical lines, slightly indented. Fine reddish clay, chocolate-
brown glaze mottled, dash of thick olive-green overglaze. 1600
736. Tea-jar. H. 2-^ in. Fine fawn clay, thin dull light reddish glaze, on shoulder darker
brown, with yellow drops strongly resembling Imbe, Bizen. 1620
Type Ninagawa. Part VI., Fig. 17.
Ninagawa records that this tea-jar was handed down in the family of Ishikawa.
737- Tea-jar. Similar to last. 1620

MOMPEI (Case 7)
Ikeda Mompei began as an amateur, making Raku pottery in the village of Seta.
The second generation hired a professional potter from Kyoto, and learned from him
For the first time some taste was shown in the work. A number of marks
the art.
impressed and written were used.
739- Little dish, in form of two shells, with three short supports. L. 3I in. Fine hard
Mompeizan
red clay, thick gray glaze, rough sketch of bridge in white slip.
(imp.). 1830
Type Ninagawa. Part VI., Fig. 18.
740. Wine-cup. D. 3J in. Dull chocolate clay, dark gray glaze, dull
starch-colored overglaze. Outside, brush-mark of white slip. Inside, bands
and stars in white Mishima. Mompei (imp.). 1830