Water jar in style of Chinese bronze fitting

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    19th century
  • Geography

    Japan
  • Material

    Bronze with artificial patina; lacquered wooden lid
  • Dimension

    H x W: 16.7 x 13.7 cm (6 9/16 x 5 3/8 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1904.356a-c
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1904.356a-c

Object Details

  • Description

    Archaistic ? Vessel. Lacquer cover.
    Surface: lacquered in color. Addition of lacquer, lead, etc.
    Decoration: in slight relief. Inscription inside. Bottom dubious.
  • Label

    This vessel, which seems to be a Japanese invention for the tea ceremony, is modeled on utilitarian bronze objects of China's Zhou dynasty (1050–221 B.C.E.). The molded design motifs and artificial patina reflect knowledge of Chinese antique bronzes.
  • Provenance

    Mr. Uyeno, Osaka [1]
    To 1904
    Yamanaka & Company, New York to 1904 [2]
    From 1904 to 1919
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Yamanaka & Company in December 1904 [3]
    From 1920
    Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [4]
    Notes:
    [1] See Curatorial Remark 11, Louise Cort, March 4, 2011, in the object record.
    [2] Undated folder sheet note.
    Also see, S. I. 2, pg. 16, Original Bronze List, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
    [3] See note 2.
    [4] 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
  • Exhibition History

    An Invitation to Tea (November 9, 1996 to April 26, 1998)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Mr. Uyeno
    Yamanaka and Co. 山中商会 (1917-1965) (C.L. Freer source)
    Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
  • Origin

    Japan
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Charles Lang Freer
  • Type

    Vessel
  • Restrictions and Rights

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