Mishima Stoneware Cup — Stamped Chrysanthemum Border, Spiral Combed Interior, Seal-Marked Base

This cup stands apart from the rest of the collection with its bold, graphic decoration — a hypnotic spiral pattern combed into the interior in alternating bands of grey and white slip, radiating out from the center like a whirlpool. A neat border of small stamped chrysanthemum/daisy motifs (a hallmark "hanko" or "mishima" inlay technique) runs just below the rim, pressed into the clay before glazing so the pattern reads in low relief under the glaze.

The rim itself is gently lobed and pulled into a small pouring spout on one side, a practical detail suggesting this piece may have doubled as a small serving or pouring cup. Warm brown iron oxide is brushed along the rim edge, echoing the reddish-brown clay revealed on the trimmed, unglazed footring — where a circular artist's or kiln seal stamp is clearly impressed, offering a genuine maker's mark for identification.

Details:

• Origin: Japanese/Korean-influenced stoneware, Mishima inlay tradition (stamped chrysanthemum border) — seal mark present on base, maker unconfirmed; please share a close-up if you'd like help identifying it

• Form: Lobed rim with small pouring spout, tapered trimmed footring

• Decoration: Combed spiral pattern (grey/white slip) covering the interior, stamped chrysanthemum band beneath rim, iron-oxide rim line

• Base: Unglazed reddish-brown footring with circular seal stamp

• Condition: Good vintage/secondhand condition — no chips visible in the photos provided; natural glaze pooling and firing marks consistent with handmade stoneware

• Quantity: Single piece

• Dimensions: approx. (Diameter) 9.3cm x (H) 7.5cm