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Freshwater jar (mizusashi)
Freshwater jar (mizusashi)

Freshwater jar (mizusashi)

Artist (Japanese, b. 1950)
Date2004
PeriodHeisei period (1989-2019)
MaterialsStoneware with white slip and natural ash glaze; wood with lacquer (lid)
DimensionsH. 7 in x Diam. 8 3/8 in, H. 17.8 cm x Diam. 21.3 cm
Credit LineGift of Bernard and Sue Pucker in honor of Carl and Katharine Hebert
Object number2011.18.a-.b
DepartmentJapanese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
More Information

The freshwater container, known in Japanese as mizusashi, holds cold water used to replenish the kettle during a gathering and to clean tea bowls at the end. A person hosting a tea might choose to use this jar, with its wide, conical shape and light frosty color, in the summer to convey a sense of coolness.

Matsuzaki Ken was born in Tokyo as the third son of a Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) artist. After studying ceramics in college, he moved to the town of Mashiko to apprentice under Shimaoka Tatsuzo (1919–2007), later designated a Living National Treasure in ceramics.