Ewer

Negoro ware; red over black lacquer; foliate lid.

Historical period(s)
Muromachi period, 16th century
Medium
Lacquer on wood
Style
Negoro ware
Dimensions
H x W: 35.5 x 19.3 cm (14 x 7 5/8 in)
Geography
Japan
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1967.5a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Lacquer, Vessel
Type

Ewer

Keywords
Buddhism, Japan, Muromachi period (1333 - 1573), Negoro ware
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Negoro ware; red over black lacquer; foliate lid.

Label

Negoro ware takes its name from the Negoro temple, a Buddhist temple where quantities of utilitarian red and black lacquerware are traditionally believed to have been manufactured prior to the razing of the temple in 1585 by warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598). This ewer, a particularly graceful example of Negoro ware, is coated with layers of black lacquer covered with red lacquer.  Over time, use has worn away the red surface irregularly, allowing the black undercoating to show through in a manner that is unique to each piece and aesthetically valued by the Japanese.

Published References
  • Dr. John Alexander Pope, Thomas Lawton, Harold P. Stern. The Freer Gallery of Art. 2 vols., Washington and Tokyo, 1971-1972. cat. 110, vol. 2: p. 181.
  • Ann Yonemura. Japanese Lacquer. Washington, 1979. cat. 3, p. 14.
  • Masterpieces of Chinese and Japanese Art: Freer Gallery of Art handbook. Washington, 1976. p. 91.
  • Lacquer: An International History and Illustrated Survey. New York. p. 233.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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