Hot Water Pot
15th century
Medium
Lacquer on wood
Dimensions
33 × 33 cm (13 × 13 in.); Diam.: 33 cm (13 in.)
Classification
lacquerware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
25658
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Likely used during Zen temple meals, this pot has a fixed black handle and small black feet. The top of the rectangular lid handle was carved in the shape of a chrysanthemum blossom. As a result of prolonged use, the red outer lacquer surface of Negoro wares such as this pot gradually and irregularly wore away, exposing the black lacquer underneath; this effect of natural aging became prized among vessels of this kind.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...