Japan sumida ware, large colorful ceramic pitcher with two entertaining young youth engaged in food gathering and play, 12.5″ high and 5″ diameter.

Wonderful playful design, signed. Virtually mint condition.

History of Sumida Pottery.

Sumida pottery was created specifically for export between the late 1800s and the 1920s. It was still produced until World War II and briefly after the war. This colorful ware is usually heavy and covered with figures in relief. Everyday objects such as tea pots, vases, and mugs were produced. This distinct type of wares got its name from the Sumida river running near the Asakusa pottery district near Tokyo. The style of applied figures on a surface with flowing glaze was invented about 1890 by the Seto potter Ryosai I, They are often embellished with glazed plaques with hand written signatures or general good luck symbols. Sumida pottery can be found in all kinds of shapes imaginable, is heavy, sculpted and usually has applied three-dimensional figures. The most common characteristics are items whose upper half (or less) is partially glazed with a flambé glaze or glazed with two or more colors in a splashed application. Often, the glaze has run, creating curtains or droplets. Some pieces are entirely glazed while others are bisque.

Schneible fine arts has been dealing in fine authentic Japanese antiques including screens, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for many years. Mr. Schneible personally travels to Japan each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique to ensure its old age, authenticity, and quality condition.