Water Pot for Tea Ceremony (Mizusashi)

Japan

Momoyama period (1573–1615)

Not on view

Made in the shape of a wooden bucket, this pot, used to bring water into the tea room, reflects the sophistication of taste and ceramic technique that developed in the practice of tea in the Edo period. The shape, though providing an appreciated element of novelty, demanded finesse on the part of its user, who would draw water from it with a long-handled wooden ladle. Its manufacture required considerable skill in molding and firing. The splashed glaze enhances the rustic effect and reflects the potter's control of the effects of ash falling on the vessel in a wood-fired kiln.

Water Pot for Tea Ceremony (Mizusashi), Stoneware with drip iron glaze (Tanba ware), Japan

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