Description
A Japanese mizusashi (water jar) in the Shino tradition, dating to the Showa period, accompanied by its original tomobako and fitted lacquered wood cover.
The sculptural form is quietly commanding—cylindrical with a subtle taper—its surface animated by a richly textured feldspar glaze characteristic of Shino ware. The milky white glaze gathers in soft, undulating passages, punctuated by areas of controlled crawling that reveal the iron-rich clay beneath. Warm flashes of orange and red emerge organically through the surface, a result of atmospheric firing, creating a composition that feels both spontaneous and deeply considered.
The lower register is encircled with finely thrown horizontal ridging, offering a restrained counterpoint to the expressive upper field. This interplay of structure and chance is central to the enduring appeal of Shino ceramics, first developed in the Momoyama period and later revived by 20th-century Mino potters.
The interior is partially glazed in a soft, translucent tone, while the base remains unglazed, exposing the granular clay body and kiln effects that speak to its studio origin. The vessel is completed with a finely patinated lacquered wood lid, its simple loop handle reinforcing the understated elegance of the piece.
Presented with its original tomobako, this work reflects the aesthetic values of chanoyu—balance, tactility, and quiet depth—and stands as a compelling example of modern Shino ware within the Mino lineage.
Age: Showa period (circa 1960’s to 1980)
Dimensions: 7″ long by 6″wide by 7 1/4″ high