Nonomura Ninsei was an early Edo period potter in Kyoto. His given name was Seibei. He is considered one of the greats of Kyoyaki ware. His kiln was located in Omuro, in the area in front of the gates of Ninnaji, and hence produced what is called Omuro ware. The somewhat beautiful and yet austere quality of his works was strongly influenced by the aesthetics of Kanemori Sowa, a tea master known as Hime Sowa. Ninsei's technique at the wheel was superb, and he made a great number of items for the tea ceremony, including his overglaze enamel tea jars .
After this jar was formed on the potter's wheel, its rim was pressed into an octagonal shape and countless round holes were carved out of its sides. This unique design gives the work a sense of light coolness. There are also several spots where the cut of the circular cutting tool can be seen, but the clay is not pierced through, revealing how Ninsei worked deftly with the un‐dried clay, cutting where necessary, balancing uncut circles with those cut through. Generally Ninsei's works are impressed with one of the artist's seals, and here his so‐called large seal without borders, stating “Ninsei," can be seen impressed on the left edge of the inside of the bowl's foot.
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