Water Cooler with Pines
Medium
Porcelain with underglaze blue and molded designs
Dimensions
5 × 7.5 × 11 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Japanese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of James and Christine Heusinger
Accession Number
2022.163
Tags
Asian (from 1900 to present)male
About this artwork
Hot water coolers, or yuzamashi, are essential components of sencha tea sets. Yuzamashi are used to cool boiled water to the ideal temperature for the type of tea to be brewed. The kidney-like shape of this one permits it to be cradled in one hand, following curvature of the palm, with the tips of the thumb and index finger each pressed against a nyoi staff-head-shaped applied form, perfectly placed to ensure a stable hold. Someone pinching the cooler in this way would have enough protection fro...