Vintage Japanese Akogi Ware Mizusashi Tea Ceremony Water Jar

A striking vintage Japanese mizusashi (fresh-water jar) made in the tradition of Akogi ware.

Originally created as a utensil for the Japanese tea ceremony, this piece is distinguished by its dramatic contrast of glaze, clay, and surface.

A thick creamy-white glaze flows irregularly from the upper portion of the vessel, forming expressive drips over the warm reddish-brown and earthy surface beneath.

The result is highly individual, giving the mizusashi a strong presence even when displayed without its traditional tea-ceremony context.

MIZUSASHI — JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY

A mizusashi is a lidded vessel used during the Japanese tea ceremony to hold fresh water.

Although fundamentally functional, mizusashi have long provided ceramic artists and potters with an important format for exploring clay, glaze, firing, and form.

This piece can be used as a traditional tea utensil or appreciated independently as a Japanese ceramic vessel.

AKOGI WARE

This piece is identified as Akogi ware (阿漕焼), a Japanese ceramic tradition associated with Mie Prefecture.

Its character is defined here by the interaction between the earthy ceramic body and the strongly contrasting pale glaze.

EXPRESSIVE GLAZE

The most distinctive feature of this piece is its glaze.

The creamy-white upper surface breaks into irregular drips and flowing edges, revealing areas of reddish-brown, dark brown, and earthy ceramic beneath.

Rather than creating a uniform decorative surface, the firing and glaze produce an organic composition that changes around every side of the vessel.

This makes the piece particularly rewarding to view from multiple angles.

MAKER'S MARK

An impressed mark is present on the underside of the vessel.

The mark is visible but has not been conclusively identified, so no specific maker attribution is being made.

Please refer to the photographs for the mark itself.

SIZE

Height: approx. 15.5 cm / 6.10 in
Diameter: approx. 12.5 cm / 4.92 in

Material: Ceramic
Ware: Akogi ware / Akogi-yaki
Type: Mizusashi / Japanese tea ceremony fresh-water jar
Origin: Japan
Period: Vintage

CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition.

The piece has been very well preserved, with no noticeable chips, cracks, or major damage.

A small dark spot is visible inside the vessel. It appears consistent with a firing-related mark or kiln characteristic rather than later damage, and has been left as part of the ceramic surface.

Minor variations in glaze, firing, texture, and coloration are inherent characteristics of handmade ceramics and are not considered defects.

Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

This is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. The photographs show the actual item you will receive.