Small sauce bowl by Genemon Tatebayashi VI, Japan

This small sauce bowl is 3.5" in diameter and 1" high. It is hand painted on the top and sides and is signed on the bottom by Genemon Tatebayashi VI, a sixth generation master potter who died suddenly in his early sixties in November 1989. I am not certain what is depicted in the bottom of the bowl, some kind of bean or nut? Probably a clue to the use of this bowl. Just $4 and a very small piece, so I couldn't pass it up.

Genemon Tatebayashi VI

Arita is the pottery of Saga Prefecture in Japan, this bowl was made by the Master Potter Genemon Tatebayashi the sixth generation of master potters of the Genemon kiln of Arita, one of the most prosperous Arita kilns. The three Emon of Arita are Kakiemon, Imaemon and Genemon. As Master Potters, they are those with the highest evaluations of any potter in Arita. The sixth Genemon Tatebayashi passed away suddenly in November 1989 without naming a successor. There was a lengthy article in the New York times when he passed.

https://www.gen-emon.co.jp/english/

Some 260 years have passed since Gen-emon kiln was established in Zemeki, Arita. Throughout those long years, Gen-emon kiln has preserved the tradition of Old Imari by producing beautiful porcelain which has attracted people of various times to Gen-emon. During its long history, there have been hard times such as the Meiji restoration and World War II. However, Gen-emon kiln was designated as an authorized kiln to produce artistic porcelain. Under those circumstances, Gen-emon V devoted himself to studying industrial ceramic arts, and he succeeded in maintaining the tradition of Arita porcelain by improving conventional techniques and designs.

Coming through the postwar confusion, Gen-emon VI expanded the traditional techniques of Gen-emon kiln further by developing and producing restaurant tableware as well as artistic porcelain. Later, he shifted his emphasis, and he started producing household tableware. He wanted to make the beauty of Old Imari more available in household tableware in order to encourage more beautiful and creative lifestyles. Thus he dedicated his life to the restoration of Old Imari by seeing household tableware through new eyes.

Gen-emon Kiln Style

The characteristic styles of Gen-emon kiln, which are highly regarded both in Japan and abroad, can be seen in its present products. One can see the simple, but free and easy style of Early Imari, plus the brilliant and dignified style of Exported Imari, which requires skillful brushwork. In addition, an original Gen-emon style based on the Imari styles has been established which successfully reflects contemporary tastes.

The outstanding feature of Gen-emon kiln is that each product is formed and painted by hand, utilizing the traditional techniques of Arita porcelain. Because the difficulty of firing porcelain requires perfect work in each process, a specialized systematic process was developed here in Arita. In porcelain production, it is necessary for individual artisans to do their best work in their own areas of expertise. Areas of expertise include throwing, painting, glazing, and firing with everyone giving great attention to the materials. Gen-emon kiln uses unique clay, glaze, fuel Japanese red pine, and pigments. Gen-emon kiln porcelain is the culmination of creativity and effort involving the entire kiln.