Fans decorate in vivid colors the austere sides of this dark bowl from the kilns of Kyoto dating from the later 19th century enclosed in an age darkeneed wooden box titled Ninsei Chawan.It is 12 cm (5 inches) diameter, 7.5 cm (3 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Ninsei ware (仁清焼), named after its founder Kōrin Ninsei (1648–1711), is a distinguished style of Japanese pottery that originated in Kyoto during the Edo period. Ninsei was an influential potter who is credited with developing a refined and elegant aesthetic that combined traditional Japanese techniques with innovative artistic expression. Ninsei ware is known for its fine, detailed decoration, typically featuring motifs from nature such as flowers, birds, and landscapes. The pottery is often characterized by a smooth, white porcelain body and delicate, intricate underglaze painting, often in blue and other subtle colors. Ninsei's use of sometsuke (underglaze blue) and overglaze enamels set it apart from other styles, creating a sophisticated, highly decorative style. Ninsei's work greatly influenced the ceramic industry in Kyoto, especially in the production of tea ceremony wares and everyday tableware. His legacy continued through his successors, further refining and promoting Ninsei ware’s elegant aesthetics. Today, Ninsei ware is considered a significant contribution to Japan's porcelain tradition, embodying a balance between utility and beauty.
