Tea Bowl with Square Crucifix Design, 18th c.

Tea Bowl with square crucifix design, cloud pattern swirl on edges. Japan. ca. 18th century. Oblong shape: 14.6cm x 12.7cm x 7.6cm (5.75" x 5" x 3"). Tea utensils possibly used as Baptismal bowls by "Kakure Kirishitan 隠れキリシタン" ("Hidden Christians") who were compelled to hide their community during the persecution of Christianity by Japan beginning in the 17th century. Physical object housed at the Ricci Institute at Boston College (https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/centers/Ricci-Institute.html) Description by Mark Stephen Mir. 3D Scan by: 2022 Summer Internship Team.