Vintage Japanese Stoneware Mizusashi (Tea Ceremony Water Jar), Heisei 1990-2018 | SKU: 26J-0649

Vintage Japanese Stoneware Mizusashi (Tea Ceremony Water Jar), Heisei 1990-2018 | SKU: 26J-0649

A boldly hand-built studio ceramic jar with layered ash and green glaze -- raw, expressive, and deeply rooted in the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

A mizusashi is a lidded water jar used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) to hold fresh water for replenishing the iron kettle. This generously proportioned stoneware example moves beyond strict ceremonial convention into the realm of studio craft -- its squat, thick-walled body built by hand rather than thrown on a wheel, resulting in a richly textured surface of overlapping ridges and pressed clay panels that catch the glaze in unpredictable ways. Layered feldspathic green, warm amber, and white ash glazes drip and pool across the dark iron-rich clay body, producing the kind of quiet, unrepeatable beauty that defines the finest handcrafted Japanese ceramics. A wide double-rim mouth seats a flat black-glazed disc lid fitted with a small loop handle -- the contrast between the raw, earthy jar and the sleek dark lid is intentional and visually striking. The unglazed flat base shows a faint impressed mark consistent with studio ceramic practice.

This substantial jar translates beautifully into a modern home as a statement living room accent or entryway decor piece -- simply displayed on a shelf or low table, its sculptural surface commands attention without demanding context. Its wide opening makes it equally practical as a planter for a small succulent or air plant, adding an organic, Japandi-style focal point to a bedroom or home office corner. The lidded form also works as a countertop storage jar for dried botanicals, specialty teas, or artisan salt -- a unique housewarming gift for anyone drawn to handmade Japanese craft and the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Hand-built iron-rich stoneware clay body with layered natural ash and feldspathic green glaze; separate flat black-glazed ceramic disc lid with loop handle
• Use: Studio ceramic lidded storage jar; possibly intended as a mizusashi (tea ceremony water jar) or general-purpose covered vessel
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; planter for small succulents or air plants; countertop storage jar for dried botanicals or specialty teas
• Features: Heavily textured hand-built cylindrical body with overlapping ridged and pressed-panel surface relief; layered green, amber, and white ash glaze with natural drip effects; wide double-rim mouth for lid seating; flat unglazed base with faint impressed studio mark; contrasting smooth black-glazed disc lid with small loop handle
• Dimensions: 8"Diameter x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent

A one-of-a-kind piece of handcrafted Japanese studio ceramic art that brings the depth and quiet drama of wabi-sabi into any modern interior.

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 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.