Antique Japanese Mizusashi Water Container, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-881

Japanese Mizusashi Water Jar | Antique Tea Ceremony Vessel & Wabi-Sabi Decor Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-881

A richly textured Japanese antique pottery jar with polychrome floral decoration, presented with its original wooden storage box.

A mizusashi is a traditional Japanese water container used in the chado (tea ceremony) to hold fresh cold water for replenishing the iron kettle and rinsing utensils during the ritual. This handcrafted Japanese antique pottery piece dates to the Late Showa period and embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic that defines the finest Japanese ceramic art. The squat, rounded body is wheel-thrown from a coarse iron-rich clay and fired to a deep reddish-brown, its surface enlivened by bold sweeps of white slip applied in the nagashi (flowing) style. Over this ground, a skilled potter has painted multi-colored floral motifs -- chrysanthemums, leaves, and blossoms rendered in green, red, yellow, and white -- giving the vessel a painterly vitality rarely seen in purely utilitarian wares. Small loop handles sit opposite each other at the shoulder, a classic mizusashi feature that allowed the jar to be lifted and carried with a cord. The flat-domed lid is fitted with a faceted knob and repeats the floral decoration, while the unglazed interior reveals a dark, well-fired stoneware body. The base rests on small feet and shows characteristic kiln marks, confirming hand production. An original wooden storage box accompanies the piece, a detail that significantly adds to its provenance and collectibility as Japanese antique teaware.

In a modern home, this mizusashi makes a striking living room accent or Japandi-style shelf display -- its earthy palette and layered surface texture bringing an instant wabi-sabi warmth to any setting. It works beautifully as a small planter for a trailing succulent or air plant, the wide mouth and generous depth making it perfectly proportioned for a compact indoor arrangement. Collectors of vintage Japanese craft will appreciate it as a standalone display piece atop a sideboard or entry console, paired with a linen runner or natural stone tray. It also makes a thoughtful and distinctive gift for Japanophiles, tea ceremony enthusiasts, or anyone drawn to handmade ceramic art with authentic historical character.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Coarse iron-rich stoneware clay with white slip, polychrome overglaze floral decoration; unglazed foot and interior; original wooden storage box
• Use: Mizusashi -- tea ceremony fresh-water jar used in the practice of chado
• Modern Use: Wabi-sabi living room display piece; small indoor planter for succulents or air plants; decorative accent for Japandi-style or minimalist decor
• Features: Squat round body with nagashi-style white slip ground; hand-painted polychrome chrysanthemum and leaf motifs in green, red, yellow, and white; paired loop handles at the shoulder; fitted domed lid with faceted knob; small feet on base; dark well-fired interior; accompanied by original wooden storage box
• Dimensions: 7" Diameter x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Good antique condition consistent with age and use; surface patina and minor wear to slip decoration present throughout; please review all images carefully

A genuine piece of Japanese antique teaware that carries the quiet beauty of wabi-sabi into any modern home -- rare, handcrafted, and full of history.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.