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Freshwater jar

early 17th century
Not on view
During the seventeenth century, as imperial patronage waned, potters at the Chinese kilns of Jingdezhen sought other markets. One of these was Japan, where the popularity of the tea ceremony contributed to growing demand for Chinese ceramics. This porcelain jar, made to hold water during the tea ceremony, was fashioned in the form of a humble wooden bucket, a combination of high and low that appealed to Japanese patrons. The uneven thickness of the glaze and occasional exposure of the clay beneath would have been considered defects in China, but they were prized in Japan for capturing a sense of authenticity.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 明晚期 景德鎮窯青花桶形水指
  • Title: Freshwater jar
  • Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Porcelain painted in underglaze cobalt blue (Jingdezhen ware for Japanese market)
  • Dimensions: H. 10 1/14 in. (26 cm); Diam. of rim 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); Diam. of foot 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.982a–c
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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