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.a
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.
An iron kettle with a wide, rounded body features a dark reddish-brown, matte surface and small curled handles on its shoulders. The upper section terminates in a ragged, irregular edge that hangs over a smoother, rounded base. Faint relief carvings of long-necked cranes decorate the sides. Heavily textured and pitted, the entire surface displays a rustic, rust-colored finish and an uneven, layered form.

Kettle with Crane Design

1392–1573

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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