{"product_id":"antique-japanese-dark-glazed-stoneware-tokkuri-sake-jug-white-slip-calligraphy-large-format-meiji-13h","title":"Antique Japanese Dark Glazed Stoneware Tokkuri Sake Jug White Slip Calligraphy Large Format Meiji 10\"H","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAntique Japanese Dark Glazed Stoneware Tokkuri Sake Jug White Slip Calligraphy Tap Hole Meiji 14\"H\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eJapan | Late Edo to Meiji Period, 19th century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eA dark iron-brown glazed stoneware tokkuri (徳利) of good proportions, the ovoid body rising to a narrow neck with rolled lip ring. Bold merchant calligraphy in white slip sweeps across the body in a loose, expressive hand — the identifying mark of a sake brewery or merchant house. A lower tap hole is present, indicating commercial dispensing use. The dark glaze shows characteristic variation from the kiln atmosphere, with subtle matte and gloss passages across the surface. The unglazed base reveals the raw stoneware clay body.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe tokkuri (徳利) is among the most ubiquitous ceramic forms in Japanese material culture — a narrow-necked stoneware bottle produced in vast quantities from the Edo period onward for the storage, transport, and service of sake. Smaller examples were warmed in hot water and brought to the table for shared service alongside ochoko cups, while larger commercial tokkuri functioned as branded dispensing vessels for sake breweries (sakagura), merchants (sakaya), and drinking establishments (izakaya). Each establishment commissioned tokkuri bearing their house name in bold calligraphy — iron-black on grey glaze, or white slip on dark stoneware — making every bottle a portable advertisement and guarantee of provenance. Regional kiln traditions across Japan each brought their own clay bodies and glaze characters to what was fundamentally a common utilitarian object. Surviving antique tokkuri retaining legible merchant calligraphy are genuine artifacts of Edo and Meiji commercial culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-pre-wrap leading-[1.7]\"\u003eDimensions: 5.5\"W × 9.25\"H  Condition: Antique, consistent with age and use. Surface wear and staining consistent with working use. Examine photos carefully for chips and hairlines.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shogun's Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51774427660605,"sku":"26L0249","price":155.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/2348\/3709\/files\/D4E5C32D-CE6D-427B-BEDB-F324EEC6A9D0_1_105_c_3ed3dfc7-ce15-4235-b039-2db3edae4b99.jpg?v=1780179367","url":"https:\/\/shogunsgallery.com\/products\/antique-japanese-dark-glazed-stoneware-tokkuri-sake-jug-white-slip-calligraphy-large-format-meiji-13h","provider":"Shogun's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}