Takatori Mizusashi, Ceramic Water Jar for Tea Ceremony, 1970s

Characterful Japanese mizusashi – a water jar used in the tea ceremony – from Takatori. The jar is made of stoneware with a rich glaze in warm earth tones.

Dimensions: height 14.5 cm, diameter 14.5 cm.

The exterior is glazed in a deep brown, almost black tone, with horizontal throwing rings subtly visible beneath the surface. Over this runs a dynamic cream-to-sand coloured runny glaze that drips down in long veils, as if molten ash has flowed along the wall – a typically expressive effect in Takatori ware. The matching lid has a pronounced arched handle and repeats the interplay of dark brown glaze combined with the lighter glaze.

On the sides are two vertical clay lugs that act as discreet handle details, while the interior is coated in a neutral light-grey glaze, suitable for holding water during the tea ceremony. On the underside there is an impressed Takatori potter’s seal.

Although designed for the Japanese tea ceremony, this mizusashi also works beautifully today as a decorative object on a console or tea table, as a distinctive vase for a modest flower arrangement (chabana), or as a sculptural pot in a wabi-sabi interior.

The mizusashi is in perfect condition, with no chips or cracks; the glaze is deep, glossy and undamaged.