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Tea cup, named “Red Plum in Winter”

early 17th century

Japanese, 1599 - 1656

Created by Donyu (Raku III, 1599–1656), a third generation artist in his family of raku tea-potters, this bowl manifests an unaffected and subtle beauty praised by 16th-century tea masters as superior to the decorative opulence formerly in fashion. Even the visible cracks, which occurred over the years and were mended with gold, add to the bowl's charm.

Earthenware with lead glaze, gold; Raku ware

4 1/8 x 3 3/8 x 1 7/8 in. (10.5 x 8.6 x 4.8cm)

Gift of Dr. Masatoshi Okochi

52.67

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Luminous: The Art of Asia", October 13, 2011 - January 8, 2012

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, "Tea House Gallery Installation", November 26, 2004 - January 30, 2006

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

Published ReferencesFuller, Richard E. "Japanese Art in the Seattle Art Museum: An Historical Sketch." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1960 ("Presented in commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the United States of America"), no. 149

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