Fresh-water container, with two decorative handles.

Collection NumberA002662
TitleFresh-water container, with two decorative handles.
DateAzuchi-Momoyama period, 16th century.
Artist, Kiln, Workshop備前窯 Bizen ware
Name of prefectures & citiesOkayama prefecture, Japan
Description of works【Bold shapes and intriguing kiln mutation effects unique to Bizen 】
Bizen ware were adopted as domestically-made tea ceremony utensils by tea masters in the latter half of the 15th century CE, along with Shigaraki ware, much earlier than those from other kilns.
This mizusashi (water jar) with a yahazuguchi (arrow-notch mouth) and ears (lugs) is one typical form of Bizen mizusashi of the Momoyama period. For this jar, the shape was initially created on a potter’s wheel, then modified by hand-pressing. The ears are then attached and bold linear marks are incised on the surface using a spatula. The reddish brown yohen (a kiln mutation effect) unique to Bizen ware on the upper section is quite intriguing.

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