late 16th century

Momoyama period

Stoneware with iron and ash glazes; ivory lid
H: 7.6 W: 7.3 D: 7.3 cm
Japan

Gift of Charles Lang Freer F1905.47a-b

A thin coat of iron wash on this jar enriches the color of the iron glaze and conceals the light gray clay body, creating a uniform dark tone. Such attention to details marks the transformation of the Seto tea caddy from a utilitarian container to a sculptural object.