A Group of Five Pottery Mugs and Pitcher by Sumida Gawa

20th century, includes a tall pitcher (8 x 5 1/2 x 4 in.) and four mugs (4 1/2 x 5 x 3 1/2 in., 5 x 6 x 4 in., 4 3/4 x 5 x 3 1/2 in., 4 x 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.) .


From the Collection of a Lady, Williamsburg, Virginia

Sumida Gawa pottery is a distinctive type of Japanese ceramic ware named after the Sumida River near the Asakusa pottery district in Tokyo where it was first produced around 1890. The style, known for its bold colors, rich glazes, and whimsical three-dimensional relief animals and figures, was primarily created for export to the West.

The most prominent artist associated with Sumida Gawa ware is Inoue Ryosai, considered to be the style's originator. However, Sumida Gawa production is also closely linked to the work of his successors, Inoue Ryosai II and Inoue Ryosai III as well as other artists like Hara Gozan, Sakurai Fuji, and Sezan.

Both vases with a few small areas of paint flaking; one figure on bowl with loss to hand, a few with evidence of breaks and repairs to hands, some with nicks to feet, possible restoration to one end of bowl at rim, hairline wrapping rim.

Good estate condition.