An Example of Yakishime Water Vessel

This Ichijūguchi Mizusashi (一重口水指) is a quintessential example of early Japanese tea ceramics (和物茶陶), originating from the Shigaraki ware tradition. Shigaraki, along with Bizen, is one of the earliest sources of yakishime ware (焼締), characterised by being unglazed but naturally vitrified during high-temperature firing. This piece stands as a historical witness to the transition of everyday water vessels into objects cherished within the chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony).

Originally, yakishime water jars like this one were not purposefully crafted for tea. Instead, they were repurposed from everyday utilitarian jars, such as seed jars, gradually becoming prominent in tea gatherings for their unassuming and rustic aesthetics. This particular piece is attributed to Sen no Rikyū, the great tea master, highlighting its significant cultural lineage.

The body of the jar reveals the quintessential Shigaraki clay, rich with feldspar particles, giving it a textured and grainy surface. The front is marked by a prominent vertical crack, adding to its raw, organic charm. Natural ash glaze has pooled and trickled down the surface, creating a dynamic, multihued patina. In contrast, the reverse side showcases a reddish, scorched surface, emphasising the unpredictable nature of wood-firing. The rim and neck are subtly shaped, indicating that this vessel was crafted with the specific intention of being a mizusashi, rather than an ordinary household jar. This hints at a stylistic evolution during the transition from the Muromachi to the Momoyama period.

The Shian Mizusashi not only embodies the humble beauty cherished in wabi-sabi aesthetics but also marks a pivotal moment when everyday objects were elevated to the realm of tea ceremony art. Its rugged presence and age-worn appearance continue to resonate with the spirit of Japanese tea culture, where imperfection and natural beauty are embraced as reflections of life itself.

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