Storage jar

Object Details

• Description

  Large jar with wide shoulder and flaring lip.

  Clay: Coarse, grey stoneware, fired glossy red on surface.

  Glaze: Glossy with crackle, dripping unevenly over surface.

  Mark: Two strokes incised on the shoulder in shape of an X.

• Marks

  Two strokes incised on the shoulder in shape of an X

• Label

  The Tamba kilns west of Kyoto comprised one of several dozen medieval complexes supplying utilitarian storage vessels to local markets. While no record survives of contemporary opinions of such wares, under the influence of chanoyu they came to be appreciated for their asymmetrical forms and distinctive color combinations. The incised mark on the shoulder of this jar probably served to identify the maker of the jar when it was fired in a communal kiln.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Storage Jars of Asia (October 29, 2000 to March 10, 2002)

  Japanese Art (May 9, 1993 to June 27, 1994)

  Japanese Art (November 7, 1986 to July 19, 1988)

  Japanese Ceramics from Past to Present (February 18, 1983 to February 16, 1984)

  Japanese Ceramics (April 11, 1978 to January 17, 1980)

  Japanese Art (July 1, 1974 to April 10, 1978)

• Origin

  Tachikui, Hyogo prefecture, Japan

• Credit Line

  Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  1400s

• Place

  Tachikui, Hyogo prefecture, Japan

• Topic

  Art, Muromachi period (1333 - 1573), Tamba ware, Stoneware, Japanese Art, Ceramics

• Culture

  Japanese

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)