Japanese Showa period Bizen style shallow circular form stoneware basin with low sides and irregular form rim. The flat base is incised "ro" in katakana, the mark of Kitaoji Rosanjin (1883-1959). Rope burn marks decorate the buff body which is accented in shades of grey and russet. 9 3/8" diameter x 2 1/8" high sides (tomobako: 12 1/4" square x 3 1/4" high). Early 20th century. Very good overall condition. The tomobako shows minor wear including a small loss to one edge of the slightly warped lid. Described and illustrated as Lot 4418, pg. 79, Butterfield & Butterfield Fine Asian Works of Art Auction, May 21, 1996. From a Scottsdale, Arizona collection.