Late 16th century

Dish

Shino wares, produced in kilns located near the town of Mino, lent themselves especially well to the tea ceremony, in which each object is appreciated for its look, weight, and texture. This square dish, among the largest known Shino pieces, is painted in lead pigment with a design of geese and reeds. Its creamy white glaze is luxurious to the touch, and its hand-built form gives it the irregular shape prized by tea connoisseurs. The dish would have held food served at tea ceremonies.