The host of a tea gathering would have used this ceramic jar to hold water for rinsing tea bowls and refilling the kettle. The jar comes from the Takatori kilns in northern Kyushu, which were established by Korean potters about 400 years ago. The kilns produced refined tea utensils and other pottery for the Kuroda, the samurai lords who ruled this area of Japan.
Utensils for tea gatherings are sometimes designed to resemble other unrelated objects. This water jar was shaped to resemble a cloth bag for storing gold dust. It was crafted at the Takatori kilns in southern Japan, which were established by Korean potters approximately 400 years ago.
Flower Vase with Lugs
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
July 14, 2026 (Tue)–
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
Water Jar, Named "Shiba no Iori (Grass Hut)"
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
July 14, 2026 (Tue)–
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
Dish with an Upturned Rim
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
July 14, 2026 (Tue)–
October 4, 2026 (Sun)
Bowl with a Wagtail
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
June 2, 2026 (Tue)–
September 27, 2026 (Sun)
Large Deep Bowl with Birds and Flowers
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 3
June 2, 2026 (Tue)–
September 27, 2026 (Sun)