Artwork Page for Kettle with Crane Design

Details / Information for Kettle with Crane Design

Kettle with Crane Design

1392–1573

Japan, Muromachi period

(1392–1573)
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Medium
iron
Measurements
Diameter: 30.4 cm (11 15/16 in.); Diameter of mouth: 18.6 cm (7 5/16 in.); Overall: 18.2 cm (7 3/16 in.); with handle: 31.5 cm (12 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1980.11
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Water supplied from a jar such as the fine Shino-ware vessel (CMA 1972.9.a-b) was transferred to an iron kettle for boiling as part of the tea ceremony. Former CMA director Sherman Lee described the jagged, broken skirt of this kettle as "attractively damaged," complementing the unobtrusive wispy designs on its rough metal surface. The character of this kettle—worn, coarse, the "perfection" of symmetry destroyed—was cherished by tea masters for its powerful humility.
A dark brown iron kettle with a squat, rounded body features two small looped handles and a flat lid topped with a pinecone-shaped knob. The texture is heavily pitted, and a jagged, raised layer wraps around the upper half, decorated with faint crane outlines showing long necks and legs. This uneven overhang rests above a smoother, dark base.

Kettle with Crane Design

1392–1573

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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