A Sumida Gawa flower vase.

Japan circa 1900. 

H:30 W:11 D:11 CM 

H:12 W:4.2 D:4.2 INCHES

History of Sumida Pottery.

Sumida pottery was created specifically for export between the late 1800s and the 1920s. It was still produced until World War II and briefly after the war. This colourful ware is usually heavy and covered with figures in relief. Everyday objects such as teapots, vases, and mugs were produced.

This distinct type of wares got its name from the Sumida river running near the Asakusa pottery district near Tokyo. The style of applied figures on a surface with flowing glaze was invented about 1890 by the Seto potter Ryosai I, They are often embellished with glazed plaques with hand written signatures or general good luck symbols.

Sumida pottery can be found in all kinds of shapes imaginable, is heavy, sculpted and usually has applied three-dimensional figures. The most common characteristics are items whose upper half (or less) is partially glazed with a flambé glaze or glazed with two or more colors in a splashed application. Often, the glaze has run, creating curtains or droplets.