Kyo-yaki Chosen Karatsu Fresh Water Jar by Suda Shoho for Urasenke Tea

<p>Maker / Brand: Suda Shoho (Kyoyaki) Title of Work: Tea Ceremony Chosen Karatsu Mizusashi with Tomobako, Urasenke Style</p> <p>This exquisite ceramic mizusashi, or water jar, is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese craftsmanship by the renowned Kyoyaki artist Suda Shoho. Designed for the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, it features a striking blue and brown gradation glaze that evokes a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. It comes complete with its original wooden storage box (tomobako), signed by the artist. While the mizusashi itself is in beautiful condition with no chips or cracks, please note that the wooden box has undergone repairs, and as a vintage item, minor signs of age-related wear are to be expected.</p> <p>Artistic & Cultural Background The mizusashi plays a crucial role in the Japanese tea ceremony, holding fresh water used to replenish the kama (iron kettle) and rinse the chawan (tea bowl). This piece is crafted in the style of Chosen Karatsu ware, a distinctive type of pottery from Karatsu, Kyushu, known for its rustic charm and glazes influenced by Korean ceramics. Suda Shoho, a master of Kyoyaki (Kyoto ware), skillfully interprets this traditional aesthetic, blending the robust character of Karatsu with the refined sensibilities often associated with Kyoto's diverse ceramic traditions.</p> <p>Design & Technique The vessel showcases a stunning interplay of blue and brown glazes, applied with a technique that allows them to flow and merge, creating a natural, organic gradation. This dynamic glazing technique results in a unique surface where the colors transition seamlessly, adding depth and visual interest to the ceramic form. The ceramic material itself provides a sturdy yet elegant foundation for this artistic expression.</p> <p>Form & Aesthetic Qualities * <strong>Shape:</strong> The mizusashi presents a stable, rounded form, approximately 15.0 cm in height and 12.0 cm in diameter, with a distinct two-tiered body and a fitted lid, creating a harmonious and balanced silhouette. * <strong>Texture:</strong> The surface boasts a rich, varied texture created by the flowing glazes, offering a tactile experience that complements its visual depth. * <strong>Visual Appeal:</strong> The striking blue and brown hues, with their naturalistic flow, evoke the serene beauty of earth and water, embodying the wabi-sabi aesthetic cherished in Japanese art.</p> <p>Collector & Decorative Appeal * <strong>Authentic Provenance:</strong> Crafted by the respected Kyoyaki artist Suda Shoho and accompanied by its signed tomobako, ensuring its authenticity and value. * <strong>Tea Ceremony Essential:</strong> Perfectly suited for practitioners of the Urasenke tea ceremony, enhancing the ritual with its traditional form and aesthetic. * <strong>Artistic Statement:</strong> Beyond its functional purpose, this mizusashi stands as a beautiful decorative art piece, bringing a touch of refined Japanese ceramic artistry to any interior.</p> <p>This mizusashi is an ideal acquisition for collectors of fine Japanese ceramics and enthusiasts of the tea ceremony seeking a piece that combines historical style with masterful execution.</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">Good</td></tr><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Origin</td><td style="padding:4px 0">Kyoto</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><tr><td style="padding:4px 12px 4px 0;font-weight:bold;white-space:nowrap">Dimensions</td><td style="padding:4px 0">サイズ 高さ 約 15.0㎝/直径 約 12.0㎝</td></tr></table>