This wonderful, little storage jar was thrown on the wheel as a closed form, and then the lid was cut out by hand. The decoration was painted on using a black slip. It was then dipped in a traditional shino glaze and fired to around 1270 degrees centigrade.

This kind of decoration is known in Japan as nezumi or literally "mouse" shino. The glaze has bubbled, creating a varied and textured surface which is pleasantly tactile. The inside has been left mainly unglazed and is therefore completely food-safe. This piece would make a lovely tea caddy.

As is traditional with Japanese pottery, finger marks have been left to show where the pot was dipped in the glaze. Mark Smalley's personal seal has been applied to the underside. The piece measures approx 5 inches tall and 4 inches across the base.

I have tried to photograph the piece as accurately as possible but please bear in mind that colours may vary slightly under different lighting conditions.

Postage and packing for this item costs £4.00 for second-class recorded delivery.