Motonaga Shoichi Takatori Ware Mizusashi - Kushime Water Jar with Lacquer Lid

A striking Takatori-ware water jar (mizusashi) by Motonaga Shoichi, featuring elegant kushime (comb-incised) horizontal ridges and a breathtaking amber-brown ash glaze with dramatic drip patterns. This functional tea ceremony vessel comes with a black lacquer lid topped with a metal ring knob, creating a refined contrast between ceramic warmth and lacquer precision. An essential piece for the complete tea ceremony setup. Ships with tracking from Japan.

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[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
• Artist: Motonaga Shoichi (元永彰一)
• Origin: Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan (Takatori kiln lineage)
• Type: Water Jar (Mizusashi / 水指)
• Style: Takatori Ware / Traditional Japanese
• Dimensions: 12.0 cm diameter × 18.5 cm height (4.7" × 7.3") – Elegant narrow-body (hosomizusashi) form
• Materials: Takatori stoneware, natural ash glaze, black lacquer lid with metal fittings
• Packaging: Signed wooden box (tomobako) inscribed "高取 細水指"
• Condition: Excellent condition. Glaze surface vibrant with no damage. Lacquer lid in good condition.

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[ ABOUT THIS PIECE ]
This mizusashi exemplifies the Takatori tradition's mastery of natural ash glazes. The cylindrical body is encircled with fine kushime (comb-drawn) horizontal lines that create a subtle texture, catching and redirecting the amber-brown glaze as it flows down the surface. The result is a landscape of color — warm honey tones at the shoulder transitioning to deep brown and dark earth at the base, with rivulets of glaze flowing naturally along the carved ridges.

The black lacquer lid provides a striking contrast to the warm ceramic body, its smooth darkness setting off the organic movement of the glaze. A simple metal ring knob crowns the lid, adding functional elegance. The overall composition — ceramic vessel meeting lacquer cover — represents the harmonious interplay of materials that is central to tea ceremony aesthetics.

[ WHY CHOOSE THIS MIZUSASHI? ]
Motonaga Shoichi works within the Takatori tradition, one of the most respected ceramic lineages in Kyushu. Takatori ware was originally established under the patronage of feudal lord Kuroda Nagamasa in the early Edo period, and its kilns have produced tea ceremony wares prized by tea masters for over 400 years. This piece captures the tradition's signature quality — the interplay between deliberate form and the unpredictable beauty of natural ash glazing.

[ CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ]
The mizusashi (water jar) is one of the principal utensils in Japanese tea ceremony, used to hold fresh water for replenishing the iron kettle and rinsing the tea bowl. Its placement in the tea room carries symbolic importance, representing purity and the life-giving element of water. The choice of mizusashi reveals the host's taste and sets the aesthetic tone for the entire gathering.

Takatori ware holds a special designation as one of the "Seven Kilns of the Enshū" (遠州七窯) — the kilns favored by the great tea master Kobori Enshū. This historical connection gives Takatori ceramics deep cultural resonance in tea ceremony circles.

[ PROVENANCE & AUTHENTICITY ]
Accompanied by the artist's signed wooden box (tomobako) with brush calligraphy reading "高取 細水指" (Takatori Narrow Water Jar) and the artist's signature "彰一" (Shoichi). The tomobako serves as a certificate of authenticity.

[ SUGGESTED USES ]
• Essential component of a formal or informal tea ceremony setup (temae)
• Stunning display piece for Japanese ceramic collections — the glaze is mesmerizing from every angle
• Perfect gift for experienced tea practitioners who appreciate fine kiln work
• Unique addition to a curated interior — pairs beautifully with natural wood furnishings

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ]
Q: What is the lid made of?
A: The lid is crafted from black lacquer (urushi) with a metal ring knob. Lacquer lids are traditional for mizusashi and should be handled with care — avoid placing hot objects on the lid.

Q: Can I use this for tea ceremony?
A: Yes, this is a fully functional mizusashi designed for tea ceremony use. Fill with fresh water and place beside the kama (iron kettle) during temae.

Q: How do I clean this piece?
A: Rinse the ceramic body gently with warm water after use and dry thoroughly. Wipe the lacquer lid with a soft dry cloth. Never use a dishwasher. Store in the tomobako when not in use.

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• Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days
• Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking)
• Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials