Suntory Museum of Art
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Notable Works
Ashiya tea kettle with linked circles design

Notable Works

Metalwork

Ashiya tea kettle with linked circles design

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Place of production or style: Ashiya, Chikuzen
Number of components: 1
Dimensions (in cm): H. 15.2, D. (rim) 12.6, D. (body) 21.8, W. (with lugs) 24.6, D. (base) 12.2, D, (lid) 12.6
Date of production: Muromachi period 15th century

Ashiya, which is famed for its tea ceremony kettles, ranks with Tenmyō in Sano, Tochigi prefecture, on the number of famous kettles said to have been produced there. This example has a somewhat irregular draping on the lower body but retains the shinnari form well. The mouth is quite constricted, the lugs are in the form of devil masks, and interlocking circles cover the body. While rather small, this Ashiya kettle has a majestically dignified presence, with a tasteful contrast between its shapely base form and the draping.

Notable Works

Ashiya tea kettle with linked circles design

SUNTORY MUSEUM of ART