Mino-yaki White-Glazed Tokkuri with Brush Pattern (13cm)

Mino-yaki White-Glazed Tokkuri with Brush Pattern (美浓烧 白釉绘纹徳利), height approx. 13 cm.
A sake bottle of the Tokkuri（とっくり ） form, used for serving sake. The body is softly rounded, tapering gently toward the shoulder with a flared mouth for easy pouring. Its proportions are graceful and balanced—hallmarks of the Mino ware tradition.

The entire surface is glazed in a warm white tone. Beneath the glaze, faint ochre brush-like（はけめ） patterns flow across the surface, formed either by hand or through natural glaze movement. The rim shows a deeper hue of brownish-olive where the glaze has pooled more thickly. The clay body is fine and dense, closer to porcelain than to earthenware, suggesting higher firing temperature and refined glazing technique.

In form and glaze, this piece aligns with the Shino or Ki-Seto styles within Mino-yaki. Shino ware is known for its soft white glaze and brown motifs, while Ki-Seto features yellow-tinted white glaze and natural flow marks. This Tokkuri embodies the quintessential spirit of Mino ware—gentle warmth, subtle contrast, and quiet everyday beauty born of fire and craftsmanship.