Artwork Page for Ewer (Fusatsugata Suibyō)

Details / Information for Ewer (Fusatsugata Suibyō)

Ewer (Fusatsugata Suibyō)

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 34.9 cm (13 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
James Parmelee Fund 1970.78
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Ewers of this particular shape developed in Japan for use in Esoteric Buddhist communities, and are called fusatsu-shaped water pitchers. Unlike the ewers commonly used in rituals celebrated before the Buddha, this type is used for the purifying of monks’ hands with water at the start of a Dharma assembly focused on the recitation of the monastic code of conduct, and repentance for transgressions.
A dark gray bronze vessel features a bulbous body and a slender neck topped by a flat rim and a ribbed, vertical finial. A curved spout emerges from a petal-shaped circular medallion on the left. Subtle, raised horizontal bands accent the matte surface of the neck and belly. Resting on a short, flared base, the vessel's elegant silhouette is defined by balanced proportions and smooth, precisely cast geometric contours.

Ewer (Fusatsugata Suibyō)

1200s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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