Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Tea kettle in the shape of a paper lantern

Notable Works

Metalwork

Tea kettle in the shape of a paper lantern

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Place of production or style: Tenmyō, Shimotsuke
Number of components: 1
Format and materials: Iron
Dimensions (in cm): H. 16.0, D. (rim) 11.2, D. (body) 28.2, W. (with lugs) 27.7, H. (lip) 0.9-1.0, D. (shoulder) 17.0
Date of production: Muromachi period 16th century

"Paper lantern" tea ceremony kettles usually have lines suggesting the bamboo or wooden frame of a paper lantern. This example is unusual in having a broad horizontal surface beneath the mouth, adding a level in the manner of kettles with constricted mouths. Its name thus comes from that combination's resemblance to a paper lantern. The raised mouth is only slightly elevated. The charming lugs are in the same of a small animal, possibly a frog. The base of the kettle has been replaced. The body has a rugged surface texture; that, combined with the shortness and broad shoulders of this kettle, generate a wild, strong figurative bea uty.

Notable Works

Tea kettle in the shape of a paper lantern

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART