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Japanese
Hot water pot (Yutō 湯桶) (15th century-16th century)
lacquer on wood (Negoro lacquer)
41.0 × 35.0 cm diameter
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented by Sir Roderick Carnegie AC through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2014
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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Hot water pot
(Yutō 湯桶)
(15th century-16th century)
Medium
lacquer on wood (Negoro lacquer)
Measurements
41.0 × 35.0 cm diameter
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Presented by Sir Roderick Carnegie AC through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program, 2014
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
Negoro-lacquered hot water pots were used at daily meals in aristocratic residences and Buddhist temple ceremonies. Red is an auspicious colour in Japan, and such brilliantly toned objects can be found depicted in hand scrolls from the Kamakura period (1185–1333). The style of Negoro lacquering was also used for utensils, long admired for their simple, elegant and functional forms.
Negoro ware derives its name from the Buddhist temple of the Negoro-ji, where simple red-and-black lacquer ware was produced for daily and ceremonial purposes. Use over time contributes to the unique appearance of Negoro ware: the black undercoat becomes visible as the red is worn away. Such beauty wrought by age exemplifies the aesthetic of wabi – beauty found in imperfection – and sabi – a love for old and faded things. These terms stem from the concept that the respectful use of an object can only enhance its beauty. Since the early twentieth century, Negoro ware has been appreciated by connoisseurs for its outstanding design and utilitarian beauty.