mid-18th century

Ogata Ihachi (Kyoto Kenzan II, act. 1720-1760),
Edo period

Pink clay; black lead glaze; white slip, enamels, and iron pigment under transparent lead glaze; brass rim.
H: 26.6 W: 22.7 cm
Kyoto, Japan

Gift of Charles Lang Freer F1905.290

The shape of this piece indicates use as a handwarmer, or te-aburi; the vessel would be filled with ash as a bed for live charcoal embers. The decoration of chrysanthemums and water is intended to evoke a Chinese legend: long life awaits one who drinks from a stream fed by chrysanthemum dew. This was celebrated on the ninth day of the ninth month in a ceremony called choyo, when guests admired chrysanthemums, exchanged cups of wine, and composed poetry.