BOTTLE WITH HANDLE, Stoneware with green glaze

Green-glazed ware in Japan developed in the latter half of the 7th century under the influence of pottery making in the Korean Peninsula. During the Heian period (794-1185) green-glazed ware was known as aoshi (blue/green ware). The refined metal-like form has been thinly potted, demonstrating the preeminent throwing technique. The green glaze has mostly been exfoliated, leaving a slight trace of it on the lower part of the body, from which we can imagine the vividness at the time of production. This piece is thought to have been one of the ceremonial utensils. It was formerly in the possession of the Hirase family of Osaka.