Flask

Spherical flask with long neck and two small lugs on shoulder. Fine-grained, light gray clay with minute black flecks. Medallion motifs incised and impressed on both sides. Natural deposits of ash glaze on shoulder.

Historical period(s)
Asuka period, ca. 650
Medium
Unglazed stoneware with accumulation of natural ash glaze
Style
Sue ware
Dimensions
H x W x D: 25.5 x 16 x 16 cm (10 1/16 x 6 5/16 x 6 5/16 in)
Geography
Japan, Aichi prefecture, Nagoya area
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1981.13a-c
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Flask

Keywords
Asuka period (552 - 710), Japan, Sue ware
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Spherical flask with long neck and two small lugs on shoulder. Fine-grained, light gray clay with minute black flecks. Medallion motifs incised and impressed on both sides. Natural deposits of ash glaze on shoulder.

Label

Characteristic of early Sue ware is the way in which several wheel-thrown pieces--two hemispherical bowls and a trumpet-shaped neck--were assembled to construct this piece.

Published References
  • Louise Allison Cort. Seto and Mino Ceramics. Washington and Honolulu, 1992. cat. 1, p. 52.
Collection Area(s)
Japanese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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