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Kura Monzen Gallery

Momoyama period Iga Tsubo with Silver Lacquer Repairs ー伊賀壺

Momoyama period Iga Tsubo with Silver Lacquer Repairs ー伊賀壺

Regular price ¥284,000 JPY
Regular price Sale price ¥284,000 JPY
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An austere Iga storage jar dating from the 16th century engraved about the shoulder with a crosshatch pattern and raised on two distinctive Geta underneath typical of early Iga ware enclosed in an old Kiri-wood storage box titled Iga Tsubo.  There are two silver lacquer repairs to the rim and one on the side, all of which have tarnished to a dark patina with age.  The vessel is 22 cm (9 inches) diameter, 28 cm (11 inches) tall and in excellent condition. 

Iga pottery originated in the Iga region of Mie Prefecture in the late Heian period (12th century). Initially, it was known for producing utilitarian wares such as jars and mortars. However, during the Momoyama period (late 16th century), it gained prominence as tea practitioners valued its rustic, natural aesthetic for tea ceremony utensils.

The nearby Iga and Shigaraki regions shared similarities in clay and techniques, but Iga-yaki developed its own unique style, especially under the influence of wabi-sabi aesthetics. Made from high-quality, coarse-grained clay rich in feldspar and silica, this gives the pieces durability and heat resistance. Fired in wood-fueled kilns, the interaction of ash and heat creates natural glazes, often with flowing textures and irregular patterns. Unique scorched effects appear due to the high-temperature firing and direct exposure to flame, adding depth and character to the pottery.Iga-yaki often features asymmetrical shapes and rough textures, embodying the wabi-sabi philosophy of imperfection and natural beauty. While historically utilitarian, Iga pottery is celebrated for its artistic expression, particularly in tea ceremony ware such as water jars (mizusashi) and tea bowls (chawan).

 

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