Speckled Stoneware Kyusu with Botanical Motifs
Ceramic teapot, side-handled kyusu format • Unknown studio potter, likely Japanese folk art (Mingei) tradition or contemporary studio craft
Style & Movement
Studio pottery / Mingei (Japanese folk craft revival) style
Medium & Technique
Stoneware ceramic with iron-speckled glaze, underglaze brushwork, and clear gloss finish
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Small domestic utility scale, approximately 6 inches in length including handle, cylindrical vessel format
Subject Description
A traditional Japanese side-handled teapot (kyusu) featuring a speckled off-white glaze body with blue-grey painted botanical or leaf motifs on the lid, paired with a short tubular side handle and matching lid with a rounded finial
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good, exhibiting minor surface dust and standard production imperfections typical of handcrafted stoneware
Estimated Market Value
USD 30 - USD 80
Auction Estimate
USD 20 - USD 50
Provenance History
Acquired through retail or secondary domestic goods markets, likely originating from a studio pottery collection or import store
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the enduring global influence of the Mingei movement and Japanese utilitarian ceramic traditions in contemporary studio pottery
Notable Features
Distinctive side-handled design characteristic of green tea kyusu, highly reactive iron-speckled glaze, and hand-painted brushwork on the lid
Condition Issues
No structural damage, cracks, or chips observed; minor surface grime and typical iron speck-through in the glaze
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle hand washing with mild soap and warm water as needed; store in a stable indoor environment