Tea Whisk-Shaped Sake Bottle
Unknown Artist
1660s–early 1670s
Medium
Porcelain with overglaze enamel (Hizen ware, early iro-e)
Dimensions
diam. 14.7 cm · height: h. 25.4 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2014.391
About this artwork
This sake bottle resembles a whisk used in preparing powdered green tea, with the handle at the top and the body of the brush flaring out below. Its bold design is anchored by images of chrysanthemums and pomegranates set in panels against a ground of red hatching with tricolored clouds. Additional patterns of swirls, stripes, flowers, and other forms make the piece dazzling.