Water container (mizusashi), first half 20th century
Unknown Japaneseexpand_more
Lacquer on woodexpand_more
Gift of the Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture; formerly given to the Center by Takako and Victor Haugeexpand_more 2013.29.156a-c
Not on Viewexpand_more
Water jars (mizusashi) such as this are a prominent utensil used in tea gatherings. The mizusashi would contain fresh water to refill the tea kettle and wash out used tea bowls, and thus occupies a conspicuous place near the kettle. The prominence of the mizusashi requires that the aesthetics of the piece be harmonious with the rest of the utensils. Negoro wares were favored by tea practitioners in the late 16th century, so the simple red lacquer coating of the piece may reference this predilection. However, the shiny, bright hue of this mizusashi is rather antithetical to the aged, well-worn look that negoro wares are prized for, and the clean lines and simple metallic embellishments speak to a modern aesthetic, dating this to sometime in the first half of the 20th century.
Details
- Title
- Water container (mizusashi)
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2013.29.156a-c
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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