Taniguchi Suiun Kochi Ware Pale Purple Asanoha & Four-Leaf Clover Water Jar with Signed Box & Artist's Bio

<p>Maker / Brand: Taniguchi Suiun Title of Work: Pale Purple Kochi Asanoha Yotsuba Mizusashi</p> <p>This exquisite mizusashi, or fresh water jar, is a masterful creation by the renowned artist Taniguchi Suiun. Crafted in the distinctive Kochi ware style, it features a delicate pale purple glaze adorned with detailed patterns of asanoha (hemp leaf) and yotsuba (four-leaf clover), presenting a truly elegant and refined piece for any connoisseur.</p> <p>Measuring approximately 10cm in mouth diameter, 15cm in width, and 19cm in height, this vessel comes complete with its original tomobako (storage box) and a biography of the artist, affirming its authenticity and provenance.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background The mizusashi is an essential utensil in the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), used to hold fresh water for replenishing the kettle and rinsing tea bowls. Kochi ware (Kyochi-yaki), originating from Kyoto, is celebrated for its vibrant, low-fired lead glazes and often features detailed relief decoration, drawing inspiration from Chinese sancai ceramics. This style gives pieces with a rich, jewel-like quality, making them highly prized for their decorative appeal and traditional significance.</p> <p>Design & Technique This mizusashi showcases the characteristic beauty of Kochi ware with its lustrous pale purple glaze. The body is carefully decorated with the geometric asanoha pattern, creating a subtle yet striking texture. Interspersed among these are delicate motifs, including the auspicious yotsuba, or four-leaf clover, and other beautiful floral designs rendered in vibrant, contrasting glazes within circular medallions, highlighting the artist's skill in color and composition.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Graceful Silhouette:</strong> The vessel features a rounded, stable form with a perfectly fitted lid, topped by a simple, elegant handle, embodying a sense of calm and balance. * <strong>Luminous Glaze:</strong> The pale purple base glaze offers a soft, inviting sheen, beautifully contrasting with the vivid, raised enamels of the decorative motifs. * <strong>Harmonious Patterns:</strong> The combination of the detailed asanoha background and the charming floral medallions creates a visually rich and harmonious aesthetic, evoking traditional Japanese beauty.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Masterful Craftsmanship:</strong> This piece is a example to Taniguchi Suiun's exceptional skill and understanding of traditional Kochi ware techniques, making it a valuable addition to any collection. * <strong>Cultural Significance:</strong> As a genuine tea ceremony utensil, it connects the owner to centuries of Japanese aesthetic tradition and the serene practice of chanoyu. * <strong>Elegant Display Piece:</strong> Beyond its functional purpose, its refined beauty and detailed detailing make it a striking decorative object, perfect for enhancing a display cabinet or a sophisticated interior.</p> <p>This mizusashi is an ideal acquisition for collectors of fine Japanese ceramics and those who appreciate the subtle elegance of tea ceremony artistry.</p> <h3>Details</h3> <table style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100%"><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Condition</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Excellent</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Material</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Ceramic</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Era</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Unknown</td></tr></table>