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DESCRIPTIONI have purchased a number of items from you over the past couple of years. I am a modest mingei collector living in ******. Because I collect across the whole range of mingei objects (wood, metal, textile, ceramics, etc), I do not want to purchase too many ceramics although I love them. I especially like the oil plates and thus want at least one or two good examples. I am drawn to the Shino Oribe Oil Plate Abura Andon that you have at auction but the major crack concerns me if I am only to have one or two oil plates in my collection. Could you comment on what you think this major crack does to the piece in terms of its ARTISTIC value. Also, with mingei...at least to my thinking --- signatures are not desirable...so why would a piece this old have a signature on it. Thank you very much.
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Dear sir,
Thank you very much for your inquiry and your purchase in those days.
As the first and as the result, I would say that Shino-Oribe oil plate is collectible mingei art piece as recommended with confidence specially if you are looking for rare and unique one for this type.
Even though considering about its damage of "scenic crack" and repair, its artistic existence and its scarcity value would enoughly cover over "The Fault" in my opinion.
And, this kind of ink-writing signature at backside does not refer to the name of certain "artist" basically, and it is often seen at the similar old mingei potteries that are actually used for public eating place or inn at that time, as like store name or trade name, etc.
I'll be glad if it helps you. Arigatogozaimasu.
Sincerely,
Dai Okumura
http://hotoke-antiques.com
