Fresh-water container, in the shape of a hand pail, clouds and cranes pattern, blue underglaze.

Collection NumberA000749
TitleFresh-water container, in the shape of a hand pail, clouds and cranes pattern, blue underglaze.
DateEdo period, 19th century.
Artist, Kiln, Workshop川本治兵衛（三代）　KAWAMOTO Jihyoe 3rd／瀬戸窯　Seto ware
Name of prefectures & citiesSeto city, Aichi prefecture, Japan
Description of works【A precise reproduction of a feudal lord’s water jar】
This piece is a reproduction of “Ningbo sometsuke teoke mizusashi” (Ningbo water jar in the form of a hand pail). It is a reproduction of a kosometsuke (underglaze blue porcelain made in China), and had been owned by the Owari Tokugawa family for generations. On a slightly rounded body, two lines resembling braided ropes are painted. The surface is decorated with patterns of clouds, cranes, deer, flowers, rabbits, and reishi mushroom (Western varnished conk) in subdued hues of blue underglaze. On the rim, there are many pinholes that Japanese people call “worm-eaten marks,” and they were often seen on kosometsuke. Although the jar is missing the artist’s name, it is attributed to KAWAMOTO Jihyoe III, based on the skills demonstrated in precisely reproducing the pinholes and carvings on the underside of the original.

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