Storage jar, probably Tamba ware

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    19th century
  • Geography

    Tachikui, Hyogo prefecture, Japan
  • Material

    Stoneware with iron and ash glazes; metal lid added later for display
  • Dimension

    H x Diam: 16.5 × 16.5 cm (6 1/2 × 6 1/2 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1899.44a-b
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1899.44a-b

Object Details

  • Description

    Small storage jar, metal cover.
    Clay: dense, grayish.
    Glaze: dark brown of mirror-like brilliancy; copper-brown splashes. Overall iron glaze.
    The metal lid has nothing to do with the original use of this jar and was added by Matsuki to complete the late-nineteenth century Chinese-style presentation typical of many Japanese jars. A wooden stand probably came with the jar as well.
  • Provenance

    To 1899
    Bunkio Matsuki (1867-1940), Boston, to 1899 [1]
    From 1899 to 1919
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Bunkio Matsuki in 1899 [2]
    From 1920
    Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
    Notes:
    [1] Undated folder sheet note. See Original Pottery List, L. 50, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
    [2] See note 1.
    [3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Bunkio Matsuki 松木文恭 (1867-1940) (C.L. Freer source)
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
  • Origin

    Tachikui, Hyogo prefecture, Japan
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Charles Lang Freer
  • Type

    Vessel
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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