Ewer for hot water

15th–16th century

Not on view

This ewer epitomizes the spare elegance of life in the Chan/Zen monastery. After eating the humble meal of rice and vegetables, monks would rinse their bowls with hot water and drink the broth to avoid wasting even a single morsel. This ewer was held by a kitchen monk as he filled the bowls of his seated colleagues. The object itself was designed to valorize the daily labor of monastic life—where it was handled, the red lacquer abraded to reveal the layer of black beneath, transmuting work into beauty. This was in keeping with Zen philosophy, in which the simplest task may lead to enlightenment.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Ewer for hot water
Period: Muromachi period (1392–1573)
Date: 15th–16th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Red lacquer (Negoro ware)
Dimensions: H.14 1/4 in. (36.8 cm); D. 10 1/4 in. (26 cm)
Classification: Lacquer
Credit Line: Gift of Florence and Herbert Irving, 2019
Object Number: 2019.193.20a–c
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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