Shigaraki Ware Jar
15th century
Country
Japan
Style/Tradition
Shigaraki Ware
Object
jar
Medium
stoneware with natural ash glaze
Accession Number
1972.248
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Kurtz, Jr.
Shigaraki Ware Jar. 15th century. stoneware with natural ash glaze. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Kurtz, Jr.. 1972.248.
Dimensions
height: 11.5 in, 29.2100 cm; diameter: 11 in, 27.9400 cm
Department
Arts of Asia
Collection
Arts of Asia
This object is currently on view
Jar
Japan
1400s, Muromachi period
Stoneware with natural ash glaze
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Kurtz, Jr.
1972.248
Used to store tea leaves, this jar has an uneven shape, rough surface, accidental scorch marks, and irregular ash glaze. These features suited the taste of Japanese tea masters, who searched for tea objects that exhibited a spirit of humanity. A farmer may have originally used the jar for seed storage before it was used for chanyou, the Japanese tea ceremony.
Known Provenance
At least 1972, James Freeman, Kyoto Japan; 1972, DAM collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Kurtz, Jr.