Oil jar with leaf design with ash glaze over red slip, Tamba ware

This is a jar for storing oil. There is a cut in the rim for placing the ladle used for scooping out the oil. Nandina leaves are placed on the side of the jar, over which reddish-brown akadobe slip is applied. The leaves are then removed, leaving the shape as a motif on the vessel. This method of decorating earthenware is characteristic of Tamba Ware during the middle of the Edo period. In other examples maple, trefoil, and other leaves are also used.