Artwork Page for Kettle with Crane Design (lid)

Details / Information for Kettle with Crane Design (lid)

Kettle with Crane Design (lid)

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.b
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 circular iron lid with a scalloped edge features a dark reddish-brown, granular surface. At the center, a three-dimensional pinecone knob displays detailed overlapping scales, flanked by two slender pine needles extending toward the upper right. The lid's weathered texture and irregular perimeter create a rustic appearance. The pinecone relief provides a tactile focal point against the broad, flat expanse of the iron disk.

Kettle with Crane Design (lid)

1392–1573

Japan, Muromachi period (1392–1573)

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