Shigaraki Ware Mizusashi (Tea Ceremony Fresh Water Jar)
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Object Label
Whereas most potters take care to filter rocks out of their clay, the potters of the Shigaraki region understand that the texture created by rocky bits of quartz and feldspar adds tactile and visual interest to their wares. The artisans add only minimal glaze, letting the surface retain its graininess.
Shigaraki, east of Kyōto, has been a kiln site for centuries, originally making utilitarian pieces such as storage jars and mortars. When the tea ceremony gained popularity in the sixteenth century, Shigaraki ceramicists were quick to adapt to the tea masters’ demands for rustic but engaging vessels, such as this deceptively simple water jar.
Caption
Shigaraki Ware Mizusashi (Tea Ceremony Fresh Water Jar), ca. 1620. Buff stoneware with ash glaze, lacquer lid; Shigaraki ware, 6 x 6 1/2 in. (15.2 x 16.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John P. Lyden, 84.196.18a-b. No known copyright restrictions
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Shigaraki Ware Mizusashi (Tea Ceremony Fresh Water Jar)
Date
ca. 1620
Period
Edo Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Buff stoneware with ash glaze, lacquer lid; Shigaraki ware
Classification
Dimensions
6 x 6 1/2 in. (15.2 x 16.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. John P. Lyden
Accession Number
84.196.18a-b
Rights
No known copyright restrictions
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