Japanese Celadon Lidded Vessel Mizusashi by Uichi Shimizu

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A ceramic lidded celadon vessel made by Japanese potter Uichi Shimizu (1926-2004) circa post 1980s. The vessel was known as … Read more A ceramic lidded celadon vessel made by Japanese potter Uichi Shimizu (1926-2004) circa post 1980s. The vessel was known as Mizusashi in Japanese and used as a freshwater container to refill the Kama kettle during the Chado tea ceremony. Quite modern in appearance, the vessel showcases a distinct ridged exterior with the protrusion fins hand-built in a slightly irregular fashion (called by the artist as the raised lines in the signed title). The lid has a top knot with a similar design. The surface is covered in a bright greenish-blue celadon glaze and the base is marked with the artist's insignia. The wooden tomobako was signed with the artist's name and a red seal. It is also inscribed the title by the artist in Kanji "Horai Vessel with Raised Lines. Mizusashi". Horai, known as Penglai is a Chinese legendary mountainous island dwelled by the immortals. There is also a yellow wrapping cloth and the artist's resume on paper as shown.
Uichi Shimizu was born to a ceramic wholesale family in Kyoto in 1926. He studied under Living National Treasure Ishiguro Munemaro (1893-1968) before establishing his own kiln near Lake Biwa in 1970. Shimizu was widely celebrated for his recreation of historical Chinese-style wares of iron and celadon glaze. in 1985, he was honored as a Living National Treasure of Japan. See less