Fresh water container with multicolor decoration
Artist
Abe Anjin
(Japanese, b. 1938)
Date2009
PeriodHeisei period (1989-2019)
MaterialsStoneware with natural ash glaze, enamels, and gold; lacquered wood lid
DimensionsH. 9 1/8 in x W. 8 7/8 in x D. 7 3/8 in, H. 23.2 cm x W. 22.5 cm x D. 19.0 cm
Credit LineGift of Abe Anjin
Object number2010.463.a-.b
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on viewThe freshwater container (mizusashi) holds cold water, which is used to replenish water in the kettle and rinse the teabowl at the close of the gathering.
Potters of Bizen, in Okayama prefecture, most commonly produce unglazed wares using the clay of the region. When creating this dynamic contemporary work, however, the artist Abe Anjin was inspired by a lesser-known type of Bizen ceramics: human and animal figurines decorated with multicolor glazes, which were made in Bizen workshops in the mid-Edo period (1615–1868).
1600-1650
approx. 1600-1650
approx. 1670-1700
1400-1500
approx. 1400-1600