Antique Kizeto (Ko-Seto) Mizusashi – Japanese Tea Ceremony Water Jar with Box
Introduction
In the refined world of the Japanese tea ceremony, every vessel carries profound cultural meaning. This Antique Kizeto (Ko-Seto) Mizusashi, a traditional water jar, embodies both elegance and utility. Its soft yellow glaze, combined with a beautifully carved shinogi (ridged) design, makes it not only a functional tea utensil but also a timeless piece of Japanese ceramic art.
The Story Behind This Item
Kizeto (Yellow Seto) is one of the celebrated styles of Mino ware, originating during the Momoyama to Edo period and prized for its distinctive warm yellow glaze. Ko-Seto (Old Seto) refers to early Seto ceramics, which were cherished by tea masters for their subtle beauty and rustic refinement.
The mizusashi, a water jar, plays a central role in the tea ceremony as the container for fresh water, symbolizing purity and renewal. The carefully carved shinogi lines on this piece recall the ridges of a sword blade, adding rhythm and strength to its form, while the yellow glaze softens the overall impression with warmth and tranquility.
The Charm and Highlights of This Piece
- Shinogi Carving: The vertical ridges create an elegant texture, balancing strength with delicacy.
- Kizeto Glaze: The soft, warm yellow glaze is characteristic of Kizeto ware, celebrated for its subtle luminosity.
- Versatility: Traditionally used as a tea ceremony mizusashi, it can also be enjoyed as a display object or even repurposed as a flower vase.
- Original Cedar Box: The included old wooden box, inscribed with “古瀬戸 (Ko-Seto),” attests to its authenticity and historical significance.
Value for Collectors
For collectors of Japanese antiques, tea ceremony utensils, and Mino ware ceramics, this piece holds great value. Unlike purely decorative ceramics, the mizusashi is deeply tied to the practice of chanoyu, reflecting the spiritual and aesthetic ideals of Japanese culture.
Its association with Kizeto and Ko-Seto traditions makes it particularly desirable, as these wares were favored by tea practitioners for their quiet elegance. For contemporary collectors, it serves both as a functional object and a work of art that connects the present with Japan’s enduring tea culture.
Conclusion
This Antique Kizeto (Ko-Seto) Mizusashi is a refined artifact of Japanese tea culture, uniting functional design with the serene beauty of Kizeto ware. With its ridged carving, warm glaze, and original cedar box, it stands as a treasured piece for both display and use.
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