black lacquered covered pitcher with wisteria motif in silver; erect, squared handle, graceful spout; stands on three stout feet

Ewer for hot water with wisteria, late 16th - early 17th century

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In the late 16th century, the nobility began to add elegant hot-water ewers like this to their tableware. Later, such a ewer might have been used for the light meals that precedes chanoyu, the ceremonial preparation of powdered green tea.

On the hardened black lacquer ground, wisteria was painted with red lacquer and before that became hard, silver and gold powders were dusted over the drawings. The powders blended, producing a subtle tonal contrast.

Details
Title
Ewer for hot water with wisteria
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.79.384a,b
Catalogue Raisonne
Murase, Art through a Lifetime, no. 745
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our 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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black lacquered covered pitcher with wisteria motif in silver; erect, squared handle, graceful spout; stands on three stout feet