Page 426 - Catalogue of the Edward Morse collection of Japanese pottery MFA BOSTON

THE CATALOGUE
278
YOKURO (Case 32 and Plate XXII. 3891)
A maker of unglazed earthen fire-vessels, after the style of the first Zengoro, was at
work in Kyoto in 1573-1591. He was probably a collateral branch of the first Zengoro,
and for this reason the two pieces bearing his signature are catalogued here.
3890. Hand-warmer, with three legs. D. 6J in. Fawn clay unglazed and
polished. Yokuro i^xa^^. 1580
3891' Incense-burner with three legs, with silver cover. D. 3^^ in. Light
fawn clay, unglazed, polished surface. Yokuro (yca^^. 1580
Gift of W. S. Bigelow.

ZENSHIRO (Case 32)
A younger brother of Wagen, known as Zenshiro, baked pottery in his brother's
oven, and used as marks Otnuro and Toho. The work was in good taste. Pieces are
very rare.
3892. Covered vessel, with looped handles. D. 4} in.
Light brown clay, olive - green glaze with irregular splash of rich
dark brown on cover. Under-decoration of vine in brown.
18
Omuro and Toho (imp.). i860
3893- Tea-cup. D. 2| in. Similar to last in clay and glaze,
undecorated. Omuro (imp.). i860 3892 3893

OMURO (Case 33)
It is said that pottery bearing this mark was made by Ninsei in the last period
of his work. Two pieces in the collection, unsigned, were identified by Ninagawa and
other experts as Omuro, and are here catalogued under that name. The work is
refined and bears the impress of age.
3894* Deep bowl. D. 5 in. Fine gray-drab clay and glaze. Around upper portion maple
leaves in bright blue, touched with white. 1680
3895' Incense-BOX. D. 2g in. Fawn clay, transparent underglaze; thick green overglaze
with small round interspaces on cover spotted with blue and red. 1680

OTOWA (Case Z2, and Plate XXIII. 3898)
In the middle of the seventeenth century potters were at work under the guidance
of Ninsei in making bowls for tea-drinking. These were severe though refined in taste
and decoration.
3896. Tea-bowl. D. 5 in. Japanese yellow clay and glaze, Slight decoration of plants
in brown. Otowa (imp.). 1660

3897- Bowl. D. 4 J in. Fine gray-drab clay, nearly white
glaze, coarsely crackled. Over-decoration of brush fence, leaves
and flowers in red and black with green and blue enamels touched
with gold. Otowa (imp.). 1660 3896