Artwork

Sōma-yaki

Sōma-yaki, by Unknown, paint, 1877
Sōma-yaki, by Unknown, paint, 1877

Sōma-yaki is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1877 painting is an example of Sōma-yaki, a Japanese pottery tradition. It depicts a simple, dark bowl against a plain background.

Subject & Meaning

The work focuses on the quiet beauty of an everyday object, a bowl, rather than depicting grand scenes or intricate details. The Sōma-yaki tradition celebrates the simplicity of such objects.

Technique & Style

The artist employed soft brushstrokes and muted colors to create a calm atmosphere, evoking the texture of the clay. The overall effect is serene and understated.

History & Provenance

The painting was once owned by Christopher Dresser, then passed to Miss Mary Dresser, from whom it was acquired in 1905. It was cataloged under accession numbers D.397 to 541-1905.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known