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Suibans in the Coussins Collection: CLICK FOR A LARGER IMAGE

 

Antique Suiban. Translation by Megumi Bennett

 to come


 
Meiji Era 1860-1900, this pot is circa 1880.

Thank goodness past owners left the old staple repair alone on one foot of this stately 19th century suiban ( as well as for Ikebana -a tray for live flower arrangements). First of all it is quite unobtrusive, but more importantly it is one of the better clues to accurate dating of the piece, which otherwise is in uncommonly good condition for its age. At first glance the swirling sometsuke (under glaze blue on white) pattern brought to mind a Chinese early Quing Dynasty narcissus bowl, but the distinctive feet are historically more consistent with Japanese designs for such porcelain forms, including the related bonsai pot. A most distinguished example of the porcelain arts. SIZE: 9 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches. CONDITION: Very good. Slightly uneven stance due to hand potting and staple repair on foot has been offset with a felt pad, as shown. Expected small firing flaws. Minor water staining inside. No other damage observed.
 

Similar to the above, this Suiban can also be used for Ikebana display. This is a Celadon Glaze Chinese Canton Pot dating from around 1800. The Japanese Chrysanthemum and plum blossom design is in white, pink, green and black around the design and the calligraphy is a poem. Used as a Bulb Bowl or a container for a Suiseki, this lovely pot is quite unique.

It is part of a pair of pots with one being cracked and repaired and this one in very good condition.. Translations of the text on both bowls will soon be published.

Dhoban:

This is the bronze Suiban which was sought after in Japan but originated in China and Korea.
Extremely rare today and many ceramic Suibans are modelled after the traditional Dhoban.

 
This is a deep Dhoban with incised decoration of the good luck design which can be confused with a swastika.

Shallow Dhobans:

 

 

Suibans:

Soon- Suibans by English potters Dan Barton and China Mist