Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Red lacquered hot water pot

Notable Works

Lacquerware

Lacquerware
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Metalwork

Red lacquered hot water pot

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Place of production or style: Negoro ware
Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): D. 35.0, H. 36.0
Date of production: Muromachi period 15th century

The technique of layering red lacquer over black lacquer is said to have begun at Negoro-ji Temple in Wakayama Prefecture in the medieval period and is thuse known as negoro-nuri. Hot water pots held tea or hot water and were passed around the table during meals at temples, while bottles were used for serving saké at banquets or for votive offerings. The unique shape of the pot handle, and the pronounced shoulders, slender waist, and broadening base of the bottle add an air or refinement as well as a sense of stability. The subdued tones of red lacquer applied to the turned wooden core, and the contrast with the exposed black where the red has been rubbed away add to the depth.

Notable Works

Red lacquered hot water pot

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART