Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a Japanese ceramic water jar (mizusashi) designed for the traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu), fitted with a lacquered wood lid. It features ribbed horizontal contours decorated in vibrant green, deep cobalt-blue, and copper-pink glazes framing reserved chrysanthemum (kiku) blossoms, stamped on the base with an oval 'Shuntai' (春岱) seal mark.
Story
Crafted during the turbulent final decades of samurai rule, this tea vessel carries the seal of Kato Shuntai, a master who revived ancient Seto wares. Its wild drips of turquoise and copper chrysanthemum blooms transformed quiet tea rooms into scenes of dynamic nature.
Maker / Origin
Kato Shuntai (1802–1877) was one of the foremost pottery masters of the late Edo period in the Owari/Seto area. Revered for his deep understanding of classic Momoyama glazes—particularly Oribe, Shino, and Ofuke wares—Shuntai's expressive, sculptural potting and distinctive oval seal mark made his tea utensils highly coveted by tea masters across Japan.
Condition & Value
The ceramic vessel appears intact with natural glaze crazing, minor kiln blemishes, and base kiln adhesions typical of 19th-century Seto wares; the lacquer lid shows light surface wear. Excellent overall condition for tea ceremony wares of this vintage.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.